When ChatGPT launched in November 2022, it began one of the most significant technological disruptions in the past several decades, on par with the Internet and personal computers. Enterprises rightly assumed that speed would be the difference between being competitive and playing catch-up, and thus began rapid adoption, use-case experimentation, and Proof of Concept development. However, amid this AI gold rush, many business leaders failed to realize that they were sitting on one of the technology’s most powerful enablers (and barriers): people.
The Current State of AI Readiness
AI’s success depends not only on an effective data and technology strategy, but also on empowering its daily users. Its effectiveness, or lack thereof, is also contingent on the engineers who design, implement, and optimize it. A recent global report, which surveyed thousands of participants across nine countries and eight industries, examined the challenges businesses face when implementing AI, including alignment between leaders and engineers and employee readiness to work alongside AI.
Perhaps the most concerning finding was that 42 percent of companies surveyed believed their staff needed to upskill. The need for upskilling was even higher (46 percent) among respondents who classified their company’s AI maturity level as “disruptor” or “leading the pack” in internal innovation, products, and alliances. Notably, engineers (43 percent) were more likely to believe there was a need to upskill than C-suite participants (41 percent). Hiring alone won’t solve the AI readiness gap, underscoring the need for a comprehensive upskilling initiative to help enterprises align their AI strategies with human personnel.
Upskilling and Hiring
Although there is undoubtedly a time and place for hiring qualified new talent to fill AI skills gaps, businesses must also upskill their existing workforce. Training current staff is a more cost-effective way to add new AI skills or polish unrefined ones. Likewise, investing in employee training bolsters loyalty and retention, as many see AI as essential to their career advancement. Before implementing any upskilling initiatives, businesses need to assess their staff’s AI readiness, identify critical gaps, and address them appropriately.
Organizations that have identified AI deficiencies can begin searching for the best talent. The market for AI talent is highly competitive. Not only are AI skills in high demand, but roles involving data and computer skills. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 32 percent jump in data science jobs and a 26 percent increase in computer and information research scientists by 2032. As such, recruiters must focus on hiring for those roles that most closely align with business goals, which will ultimately help the organization go from tackling the low-hanging fruit to achieving true transformation.
Using Agentic AI to Support Employees
As with any tool or method, one of the best ways to help people become more comfortable with it is to have them use it regularly. The same is true for AI—someone’s proficiency with this technology will naturally develop simply by using it more frequently. Agentic AI is one type of AI that companies should leverage because it will not only foster a future-ready workforce but also positively impact core business objectives.
Agentic AI uses dynamic problem-solving, sophisticated reasoning, and iterative planning to solve complex, multi-step problems without considerable human supervision. This autonomy makes agentic AI-enabled solutions great for employee training. For example, agentic AI-powered career navigators can examine an employee’s cumulative experience and skills to identify areas of improvement, recommend appropriate upskilling opportunities, and outline role trajectories within the organization.
Likewise, agentic AI tools can automate monotonous tasks, allowing teams to focus on higher-value work or training. Those enterprises that equip their teams with agentic AI-enabled solutions are already seeing incredible results. A global healthcare IT innovator developed code and paralegal assistant agents that streamlined workflows, boosted efficiency, and cut costs—while also enabling developer teams to build innovative applications and drive scalable AI adoption across the organization.
How to Build an AI-Fluent Culture
Businesses must build an AI-centric culture to ensure employees can adapt and thrive in the ever-fluctuating AI landscape. Building such a culture is not easy, as it requires alignment between leadership and employees—especially engineers. For starters, everyone needs to understand the full potential and limitations of AI; likewise, executives need to speak the same language as their engineers. Strong agreement on best practices, key projects, and business goals will guide leadership as they develop a meaningful change management program that encourages employees to embrace AI.
Another essential feature of an AI-centric culture is a continuous feedback loop between business and technology teams. A feedback loop should outline key performance indicators (KPIs) and include a system to track them, enabling monitoring of whether AI projects are progressing, delivering value, and aligning with strategic goals. A successful feedback loop also requires an open dialogue between leadership and teams. Ongoing conversations will help employees overcome fears about using AI and break bad habits.
Lastly, an AI-centric culture must have a robust AI governance model. An archetypal governance model will establish clear ethical guidelines, accountability, and transparency in the development and use of AI solutions. Ideally, it will help build trust among employees, customers, and stakeholders, ensuring AI implementation aligns with organizational values and objectives.
Empowered People Unlock AI’s True Potential
As paradoxical as it may sound, humans are at the center of AI success. From those developing it to those using it, people are the primary enablers of this technology. Yet employees can also become barriers to its success. That’s why empowering them through training, upskilling, and a supportive AI-centric culture is essential to unlocking AI’s full potential.
