It’s hard to ignore artificial intelligence (AI)’s wide and deep impact on the way we live, work and interact — take personalized playlist recommendations on Spotify or the voice-controlled personal assistants on our smartphones, for example. Nearly every organization and department is looking to seize the benefits of automation to drive greater efficiencies, and human resources (HR) and talent development is no exception. According to Gartner, 81% of HR leaders have already explored or implemented artificial intelligence within their organizations.
While AI in the workplace typically focuses on task-oriented productivity, there is real promise that the latest generation of generative AI technologies will transform workplace learning with more personalized, realistic training and development that enables a more productive and satisfied workforce. Here’s why AI-powered technology, especially generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, warrant your attention: They might just transform employee performance and lead to a stronger workforce.
Feeding an Appetite for Technology
Generative AI promises to eliminate the drudgery of many basic tasks so that teams can focus on driving results with an all-knowing, super intelligent AI co-pilot at their side. It’s already transforming the way many departments within companies work, from the way developers write new code to how marketing drafts press releases. Tools like Gone Engage and People.ai have been billed as generative AI-powered sales platforms designed to capture all interactions between sales teams and customers to provide insights grounded in context, fueling better business decisions. No more manually searching call logs or customer email history. The good news for businesses? Today’s workforce has an appetite for this kind of modern technology that’ll transform business. In fact, according to recent surveys, 70% of Gen Z employees say they would leave their current job if it meant they’d have access to better technology, like AI. These generations feel passionately about tools that can enhance their job, not hinder it. In response, 91% of workplace decision makers agree that they will need to provide more advanced digital experiences to meet the demands of younger generations. Failing to meet the technology needs of roughly half of today’s workforce would mean losing top talent — a scenario many industries cannot afford in today’s tightened economic environment.
Bridging the Soft Skills Gap With AI
As organizations across industries incorporate more intelligent machines to take over physical, repetitive, and basic cognitive tasks, 50% of HR managers feel jobs require more soft skills now than they did previously. These skills, which include communication and office etiquette, are essential for successful business outcomes. However, there’s a disconnect between ability and expectation. Recent data shows that 40% of business leaders believe entry-level candidates are unprepared for the workforce, citing poor social graces and communication skills.
Without developing employees’ soft skills at every level, businesses risk poor productivity, miscommunications and wasted resources. Enter: AI-powered workplace learning. Workplace learning that leverages AI offers an avenue to bridge the soft skills gap with personalized learning experiences based on individual skill sets, job roles and more. For example, AI conversation platforms that simulate realistic conversations have become a powerful tool for practicing salary negotiations and performance discussions. Results include stronger job performance and better business results. By enabling employees to practice tough conversations, AI sharpens their soft skills so when the time comes to have the real conversation, employees feel prepared and confident.
Are Your Managers Really Prepared to Manage?
The workplace has drastically changed in recent years. The hybrid work environment has introduced new obstacles for managers: learning how to manage teams amidst asynchronous communication and less face-to-face collaboration. It’s often up to managers to learn how to coach, develop and lead high-performing teams. In hybrid environments, this pressure and complexity multiplies. They find it more difficult to connect with individual employees, provide meaningful and effective feedback, and have the difficult conversations that are sometimes necessary to reach team objectives. This not only frustrates managers, but also the employees that work with them. In one survey, 82% of U.S.-based employees reported that having a bad manager might lead them to quit their job. With hybrid and remote environments here to stay, it’s important to ensure managers can leverage modern technology tools that allow them to hone their management style and skills. For example, an AI-powered conversations tool can give managers the chance to test their approach to difficult conversations (e.g., poor performance) with a direct report and receive feedback in real-time to improve — so they are better prepared to navigate the nuances of remote work before they happen. In face of the reality of work today, AI-backed workplace technology has the potential to transform retention efforts, solve the soft skills gaps and increase managers’ potential. No matter the industry, business leaders adopting AI-infused work and learning tools will be one step ahead of the rest.
