Change management plan, dynamic conversations on AI needed to address the problem
Despite the ongoing adoption of AI across workplaces, a new report has discovered a “sizeable gap” in AI receptiveness between leaders and employees.
A new survey among over 8,100 senior business leaders at organisations with 500 or more employees found that 82% of boards and leadership teams are “highly receptive to embracing the transformative power of AI.”
However, 22% of organisations said their middle management staff have limited or no receptiveness to AI.
Another 31% said of the respondents said their employees are limited in their willingness to adopt AI or are “outright resistant” towards the emerging tech.
“There is a sizeable gap in AI receptiveness between those in senior leadership positions and middle management and employees that will need to be addressed,” the report said.
Change management plan needed
To address the issue, the report underscored the importance of having a change management plan for AI integration.
Majority of the respondents (79%) said they have one in place, but only 26% are confident that their plan is comprehensive, according to the report.
Another 62% said they have a plan in progress, while 12% said it is in draft form.
“This perhaps reflects the still relatively nascent stage of more widespread AI adoption,” the report said.
It added that organisations must have a “dynamic conversation” on the possibilities of AI to generate willingness and engagement within the workforce.
Upskilling employees
Part of overall planning towards AI must also include addressing its impact towards the workforce, according to the report.
Previous reports have indicated that millions of jobs could be exposed due to the adoption of AI, with job insecurity on the rise across the world.
“A focus on reskilling talent will also be crucial to maintaining a high morale among employees as deployment of AI technologies is likely to result in a change in the scope of some jobs in areas where it is deployed,” the report said.
It found that 98% of employers plan to invest in upskilling existing employees on AI, as 39% said need guidance or significant training on planned AI technologies.
“This is a positive sign as it shows that companies realise that not only do they need to hire new talent, but it is also equally important for them to upskill their existing workforce if they are to leverage the full potential of AI technologies they deploy,” the report said.