Love or loathe it, it’s impossible to ignore the presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in today’s corporate world. For many people, its rise to prominence is cause for excitement; after all, AI’s seemingly endless capabilities are streamlining business processes across the globe.
But, at the same time, all this automation has set alarm bells ringing in many people’s heads, with one principal concern centering around the prospect of job loss and robotic replacements further down the line. These fears are arguably well-founded, with AI having the potential to fulfill 10-30 percent of the jobs in the UK.
This has fostered mistrust in the platforms amongst many professionals and subsequent resistance to integrating AI-driven platforms into daily processes. Sixty-one percent of respondents to one survey reported being wary about trusting AI systems. While it’s sensible to proceed with an element of caution, there’s no disputing that AI can benefit businesses of all sizes in so many different ways. You could risk losing a competitive edge if you fail to leverage the technology. But how can companies overcome cynicism and build trust in the tech?
Start with education
Ultimately, it’s human nature to be suspicious when something we know very little about suddenly becomes commonplace in our daily roles. That’s why businesses must commit to comprehensive and continuous training on AI. When personnel better understand how these platforms work and how to get the most from them, they will naturally feel more confident with the role of technology within the business. There is a range of topics that training should cover, from technical skills to ethical use; how you choose to deliver the training is up to you, but resources should be made accessible for staff to access should they want to.
Transparency is key
Leaders and managers should strive to be transparent with teams about how AI is being used to support the business. These platforms shouldn’t just be reserved for C-suite executives – people in all different departments and roles can benefit from augmentation. When all staff members are informed about the company’s stance on AI and how it might change their roles in the future, they’re more likely to engage with the technology, which will only help drive the business forward. At the same time, teams need to feel heard, and feedback around the platforms should be encouraged to optimize AI-related outcomes and ensure it’s being leveraged appropriately.
Establish a governance framework
There are still lots of unknowns around AI, especially when it comes to security and privacy. That’s why businesses need to exercise caution when using the technology, and a governance framework should guide this. Misuse or unethical use of AI puts your business and its customers at risk of security breaches, and you could be vulnerable to financial repercussions.
While a comprehensive legal framework for AI doesn’t yet govern businesses, they must implement policies to protect themselves and their stakeholders. Policies should address different risks, from bias control to a lack of transparency, and should be adapted over time as AI models evolve. Ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding AI governance is the best way to avoid the potentially huge repercussions of any missteps relating to its use.
