Succeeding with Generative AI (GenAI) is not just about rolling out the technology—it’s about making it a natural part of your employees’ daily work. Your workforce needs to be ready and willing to embrace this shift, and that means your organisation must prioritise upskilling. The reality is that GenAI is no longer a niche technology limited to IT teams; it is democratising access to advanced capabilities, allowing employees with little technical expertise to interact with complex systems and automate tasks. This shift is transformational, impacting how knowledge is acquired and applied across industries. However, ensuring employees have the right skills and confidence to use GenAI effectively is key to maximising its potential.
The Impact of GenAI on Employees
GenAI is already proving to be a powerful tool for improving employee experience (EX) and productivity. According to the Global GenAI Report by NTT Data, 95% of organisations agree that GenAI is significantly improving productivity, and 93% report using it extensively to collect and interpret employee data. Moreover, 42% of businesses say that GenAI has directly contributed to improving employee retention.
But what does this look like in practice? For many organisations, it means integrating GenAI tools such as generative AI agents, AI-powered knowledge management systems, and process automation tools. These GenAI applications help employees complete tasks more efficiently, reducing time spent on administrative work and enabling them to focus on strategic and creative aspects of their roles. Additionally, employees now expect to work with GenAI, particularly new hires who see AI-driven tools as essential to modern workflows.
Organisations that embrace GenAI will see employees become more engaged, efficient, and empowered. However, this transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It requires the right culture, training, and policies to ensure success.
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Factors Negatively Affecting Employee Adoption of GenAI Solutions
Despite its benefits, not all employees are eager to adopt GenAI tools. Several barriers can slow down or even prevent adoption:
- Perceived Low Value – Employees may feel that GenAI tools don’t meet their specific needs or fail to improve their workflows.
- Lack of Training – Without proper guidance, employees may struggle to understand how to use GenAI effectively.
- Safety and Security Concerns – Employees might be wary of using GenAI due to fears around data privacy, compliance risks, and job security.
- Limited Awareness – Many employees are simply unaware of the GenAI tools available to them or how they can be applied to their roles.
Addressing these concerns requires a proactive approach, including clear communication, robust training programmes, and leadership buy-in. Without these elements, even the most advanced GenAI tools will remain underutilised.
How to Build a GenAI-Enabled Workforce
To create a GenAI-enabled workforce, organisations must take a structured approach to upskilling and change management. Here’s how you can prepare your employees for the future of work:
1. Invest in Employee Training
Training is the foundation of successful GenAI adoption. On-the-job training, formal education programmes, and self-paced learning modules can all help employees build confidence in using AI tools. The best training programmes cater to employees at different levels—starting with basic AI literacy and progressing to advanced use cases. Our AI Fast Lane programme will give you access to expert AI training designed to ensure your team can safely and efficiently leverage generative AI tools. From enhancing the accuracy of GenAI outputs to recognising potential risks, we will provide you with a unified, company-wide strategy.
2. Create a Culture of Continuous Learning
GenAI is evolving rapidly, and so should your employees’ skills. Encouraging a learning mindset across the organisation ensures that employees stay ahead of changes and continue refining their AI capabilities. Leaders must foster a culture where upskilling is seen as a continuous journey rather than a one-time event.
3. Address Employee Concerns Head-On
Organisations must acknowledge and address employees’ fears about AI replacing jobs. Instead of framing GenAI as a replacement for human work, it should be positioned as a tool that enhances productivity and allows employees to focus on high-value tasks. Transparency is key—leaders should communicate how AI will be used and provide clear policies on data security and ethical AI usage.
4. Provide Hands-On Experience with GenAI Tools
One of the most effective ways to increase adoption is to let employees experiment with GenAI in a low-risk environment. Pilot programmes, internal hackathons, and sandbox environments allow employees to explore GenAI capabilities and see how it can benefit their work firsthand.
5. Encourage Cross-Functional Collaboration
GenAI is not just for IT teams—it’s a tool that can be used across departments. Encouraging collaboration between technical and non-technical employees helps break down silos and accelerates adoption. For example, marketing teams can use GenAI for content generation, while HR teams can leverage it for recruitment and employee engagement insights.
6. Set Clear Policies and Governance Structures
Many organisations still lack formal GenAI policies, which can create uncertainty among employees. Establishing clear guidelines around AI usage, data security, and ethical considerations ensures that employees feel confident in using GenAI tools responsibly.
The future of work is here, and GenAI is at the heart of this transformation. Organisations that fail to equip their employees with GenAI skills risk falling behind. However, with the right training, cultural mindset, and governance, businesses can build a workforce that is not only ready for GenAI but thrives with it.
By prioritising employee upskilling, addressing barriers to adoption, and embedding AI into everyday workflows, organisations can unlock the full potential of GenAI—boosting productivity, enhancing employee experience, and driving long-term innovation. Now is the time to invest in your workforce and empower them with the skills they need for the future of work.
Getting Started with End-to-End AI Transformation
Partner with Calls9, a leading Generative AI agency, through our AI Fast Lane programme, designed to identify where AI will give you a strategic advantage and help you rapidly build AI solutions in your organisation. As an AI specialist, we are here to facilitate the development of your AI strategy and solutions within your organisation, guiding you every step of the way:
- Audit your existing AI capabilities
- Create your Generative AI strategy
- Identify Generative AI use cases
- Build and deploy Generative AI solutions
- Testing and continuous improvement
Learn more and book a free AI Consultation
* This articles' cover image is generated by AI
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