Jack Hayes is the Managing Director of the Champions Speakers Agency, a leading UK keynote speaker agency.
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way businesses work, delivering speed, insight and automation like never before. Preparing your team means more than adopting new tools; it’s about building skills, encouraging adaptability and fostering collaboration to ensure everyone is ready to thrive in an AI-driven future.
Companies can take practical steps to help employees prepare for an AI-driven future. Preparing employees isn’t just about new technology; it’s about building the confidence and curiosity they need to stay ahead in the age of AI. Discover below my top tips to get people ready to embrace the new opportunities AI brings.
The skills gap
Addressing the skills gap is one of the most pressing challenges companies face as the adoption of artificial intelligence accelerates. Research shows that there is a projected AI talent gap of 50%, leaving many organizations without the necessary expertise to implement AI effectively. At the same time, around 40% of the workforce will need to reskill over the next three years to keep pace with this transformation, and without action this gap could hinder innovation, competitiveness and productivity.
The solution to this skills gap lies in proactive training and development. While upskilling is not just about technical knowledge, it is important that AI does not replace human skills but instead complements them. In fact, 83% of employees believe AI will make uniquely human skills more desirable. Companies should also prioritize developing skills such as emotional intelligence, creativity, innovation, ethical judgment and critical thinking. By combining the development of these skills with technical knowledge, employees can work alongside AI with confidence.
Within my organization, we have invested heavily in training initiatives that have enabled employees to upskill in the use of artificial intelligence. We actively use ChatGPT to streamline business operations and encourage employees to explore the use of AI for new roles such as video editing and graphic design.
Building a culture of adaptability in the workplace
Building a culture of adaptability in the workplace is essential to preparing teams to transition to AI. As technology evolves, employees must have confidence in embracing change, rather than resisting it. According to the McKinsey Talent Trends survey, only 16% of global employers are currently investing in adaptability, and only 26% of the 10,000 employees surveyed consider adaptability as a top skill. Such statistics underscore the urgent need to promote adaptability in the modern workplace.
Creating a psychologically safe environment is the crucial first step in building that culture of adaptability. Employees should feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and even making mistakes, without fear of AI criticism. Leaders can encourage this by recognizing those who take initiative and rewarding curiosity, allowing people to openly explore the use of AI before they are expected to use it professionally. This will help organizations navigate AI-driven change with confidence, turning uncertainty into opportunity.
I actively encourage adaptability within my workforce, which enables my team to overcome challenges and adapt to industry changes. This was especially evident during the Covid-19 pandemic, when our entire industry had to pivot to virtual events. By encouraging employees to adapt to working from home and hiring speakers for virtual Zoom conferences, we were able to emerge from the pandemic with confidence.
Communicate change clearly
Clear communication is crucial when introducing AI into the workplace. Employees need to understand not only what is changing physically, but also how the change will affect their role. Being transparent about the benefits of AI, as well as the challenges, helps reduce uncertainty and build trust. The best practices I suggest for communicating changes include using simple language, inviting people to provide feedback, and sharing updates regularly.
At my company, I have an open-door policy to ensure that I am approachable to my team members. I always communicate when something is going to change and guide my team members about the impact that change will have on them, both directly and indirectly.
When communication about change is open and consistent, employees feel involved in the process of shifting to AI use. Additionally, Q&A sessions and written updates provide employees with the opportunity to ask questions and express their concerns. With 70% of US employees reporting disruptive changes within their organizations in the past year, it is now more important than ever to clearly communicate changes to minimize disruption to employees and ensure a smooth transition to AI adoption.
Real-world leaders in the AI revolution
Some industries are leading the way in adopting AI and proving its impact. In the financial sector, JPMorganChase uses AI to analyze legal documents and detect fraud faster. Healthcare leaders like Mayo Clinic are applying AI to improve diagnostics and patient outcomes. Retail giants like Amazon use AI-powered recommendation engines to personalize shopping experiences. These examples show how AI is creating efficiencies and innovation across industries, demonstrating the value of early adoption and encouraging other companies to invest in training and integration.
Prepare to shift
The move to using AI is no longer optional; it is essential to remain competitive. AI offers faster insights, smarter decisions and greater efficiency, but its success depends on how well teams are prepared. By addressing skills gaps, building adaptability and clearly communicating changes, employees gain the confidence to embrace new technology. Enable a smooth transition and unlock the full potential of AI to drive innovation, growth and long-term success.
Forbes Business Council is the most important growth and networking organization for entrepreneurs and leaders. Am I eligible?
