Why Enterprises Need To Invest in GenAI Training For Employees
Generative AI adoption rates are rising amongst enterprises around the world. Organizations are finding ways to work more efficiently, powered by the ultra-capable technology in its many formats – from content generation, to data processing. The potential of these capabilities is hinged upon a few fundamental factors though, and one of the most pressing considerations for enterprises is education. In our 2023 State Of GenAI survey, we found that amongst those hesitant to invest in the technology, the most common cause was rooted in the potential for risk or misuse; and ironically, education is the remedy for both scenarios.
In order for successful GenAI deployment, enterprises must equip their employees with the skills necessary for usage. Without creating a space for these provisions, many major organizations risk jeopardizing their investment in GenAI. We’re going to explain why this is the case, while showcasing the significance of robust GenAI education for employees.
Why is GenAI employee training non-negotiable for enterprises?
Effective utilization of AI tools and systems requires more than just technical or practical expertise. Successful deployment depends on the extent of training provided, as GenAI usage demands an understanding of underlying complexities – from system algorithms, to ethical data management practices, and the ability to interpret and act upon AI-generated insights. Education is a necessity for a successful GenAI strategy for the following reasons:
GenAI education allows teams to realize the full potential of the technology
By investing in comprehensive training programs, organizations empower their employees to harness the full potential of AI technologies, maximizing their utility and impact as a result.
Effective GenAI employee training informs smart decision making & agile problem solving
GenAI employee training also ensures that employees are proficient in GenAI model development, analyzing output, and making informed decisions based on the generated insights. These provisions also instill a culture of ongoing learning and adaptation, enabling teams to stay ahead of the latest advancements of the technology and its associated methodologies.
Collective training establishes both individual skills & a level, universal knowledge base
A considered GenAI curriculum not only enhances individual skill sets; it also fosters a collaborative environment where employees can share knowledge and best practices, amplifying the benefits of AI adoption across the organization.
Those responsible for GenAI deployment will most likely be starting with zero to minimal experience of the technology. Even if they do have prior experience of using an AI tool in another department of the organization (for example, AI already has a place within IT teams), in most cases this cannot be compared with the GenAI tool in question; as there are some inherent differences between the two.
As a result, GenAI education is essential for developing a level playing field for individuals to learn from, and it’ll also ensure that organizations benefit from successful, informed deployment.
Targeted training drives business efficiency & growth
Properly trained employees are a key component of operational efficiency in GenAI-driven enterprises. By equipping staff with the necessary skills and knowledge, organizations can streamline their processes, automate routine tasks, and optimize resource allocation. This not only improves productivity but it also frees up valuable time and resources that can be redirected towards strategic initiatives and innovation.
Similarly, employee training in GenAI enables organizations to unlock new opportunities for growth and expansion. In leveraging GenAI insights for enhanced efficiency, businesses can also identify market trends, anticipate customer needs, and develop targeted strategies to capitalize on emerging opportunities. This proactive approach and broader GenAI visibility scope also helps businesses to develop a competitive edge, positioning organizations for sustained success in their respective sectors.
What are the consequences of overlooking GenAI employee training
So, what happens if your organization chooses to bypass employee GenAI training? The consequences would have a detrimental effect on the enterprise as a whole – the repercussions range from creating GenAI trust issues in the C-Suite, to landing in legal entanglements that result in a tarnished brand image.
Exposure to governance risks & output integrity
Without adequate training, employees might struggle to interpret insights accurately, or they could use sensitive information such as PII, or material that is subject to IP laws, as input content – leading to misinformed decisions, data breaches, and missed opportunities. In this way, GenAI data security becomes compromised, due to a lack of awareness.
Without education, employees won’t deploy tools in line with GenAI governance principles, and this alone can result in undermining the integrity and reliability of the organization’s information assets.
Collective resentment to GenAI implementation
A lack of employee training can foster resistance to AI adoption within the organization, and in some cases, poor GenAI visibility is added to this sentiment. This leaves employees to their own devices, giving rise to shadow AI, and the enterprise is left in the dark. Employees may perceive AI as a threat to job security or feel overwhelmed by the prospect of learning new technologies, rather than understanding how their contribution is still needed.
This resistance can manifest into widespread frustration towards GenAI initiatives, hindering the organization’s ability to realize the full potential of its GenAI investment.of
How to devise a robust GenAI education strategy
Passing up on GenAI employee training isn’t an option if you want your enterprise to reap the rewards that GenAI technologies can yield. With this in mind, we’ve shared some pointers on devising an approach to education below.
Appoint a Chief AI officer
While there are many organizational benefits of hiring a chief AI officer, GenAI education can become a priority as this individual will act as a dedicated, centralized source for information. From here, key analytics can be presented to other C-suite figures, making a clear case to improve (if existent) or to invest (if non-existent) in education initiatives.
Consider the objectives of your organization
To educate employees in GenAI adoption effectively, organizations must adopt a targeted approach that aligns with their specific needs and objectives. In this regard, a starting point would be to gain insights into how GenAI is being used in the workplace.
Scope out staff sentiment and address their concerns
It might seem obvious, but asking those who will be responsible for deploying GenAI what their worries, concerns, and training requirements are is a good place to build your education initiative from. Speak to your teams, and communicate to identify areas where additional training and support are needed.
This shouldn’t be a one off effort though – send surveys or other feedback mechanisms periodically that solicit input from employees at all levels of the organization, and make note of the findings.
Consider different learning styles
The learning diversity that fuels your team should be accounted for within your GenAI employee training approach. When it comes to turning your training content into formats, aim to include a variety of resources that cater to different learning styles and preferences. This might include online courses, workshops, seminars, and hands-on training sessions conducted by experienced professionals.
By offering learning opportunities in a multitude of formats, organizations can accommodate the diverse needs and skill levels of their workforce, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to acquire and develop the knowledge and expertise needed for successful GenAI deployment.
Champion accountability
Creating and championing a sense of accountability is one of the best ways to counteract any employee resentment towards GenAI. By encouraging employees to take ownership of their professional development, organizations will see much more active participation and curiosity towards GenAI. Mentorship programs, peer-to-peer learning networks, and incentives that reward employees for acquiring new skills and knowledge would all act as a means of encouraging accountability.
How can Portal26 help enterprises to embed education into their GenAI strategy?
Here at Portal26, we’re eager to share the merits of GenAI education – and to embody this commitment, we’ve facilitated it within our AI TRiSM platform. Our innovative platform makes essential analytics and usage information accessible to organizations deploying GenAI, and the findings can be interpreted to spot knowledge gaps within the workforce. This empowers enterprises with data-driven GenAI employee training approaches, helping individuals at all levels to grow their confidence when using the technology. To experience our platform first-hand, schedule a demo online now.
Education should be one of the earliest considerations that any enterprise makes before considering an investment in GenAI. This way, organizations can progress with accuracy and assurance that their investment in this turning-point technology pays off.