Integrating generative AI into training

Oli Latham at Pearson Workforce Skills explores the need to reshape training around generative AI to maximise human potential

Are we really getting the most out of human potential in the world of work? With many employees’ time drained by repetitive, laborious tasks, the answer for a lot of organisations would be no. The question is to what extent AI can help unlock this human potential.  

The utilisation of AI gives employees back valuable time for higher-value, human-led work; particularly important as the economy strains under low productivity and a shortage of key skills. 

This shortage of skills is set to be further amplified by demographic shifts - a stagnating birth rate which is below the replacement rate in developed countries, and the baby boomer generation set to leave the workforce over the next five years.

Pearson’s recent Skills Outlook analysis report projects that generative AI will save UK workers 19 million hours a week by 2026. This may help enable a shift towards more strategic, impactful work, a more fulfilling environment, and ultimately empower employees to reach their full potential.

Companies that fail to adopt generative AI risk falling behind their competition. However, implementing AI without strategic planning and consideration for employees can turn it from an asset into a roadblock. To succeed, businesses must integrate AI responsibly, putting plans in place for a workforce augmented by generative AI to ensure it complements human skills and enhances overall productivity. 

Focused training initiatives

At the cornerstone of this is a focused approach towards training; one that equips employees with the tools and know-how to effectively use AI in their day-to-day roles. This requires a multifaceted approach that touches on both technical and soft skills.

Soft skills like empathy, collaboration, and leadership remain critical and cannot be replicated by AI. Employers should invest in upskilling programmes that teach employees how to integrate AI into their work, focusing on the individual tasks where it can make the most impact. By doing so, organisations can ensure that AI tools are used to enhance, rather than replace, human capabilities.

Encouraging employees to obtain digital badges and certifications can enhance their proficiency in using AI. Credly by Pearson, for example, provides a multitude of AI badges as part of its digital credentialling platform. 

More informal ways of training can also be useful – such as lunch and learn sessions , refresher courses, seminars and webinars. Given the pace of change of generative AI and associated tools, being skilled in AI is not a ‘one and done’ task. Instead, a lifelong learning approach and a sense of curiosity will serve employees well.

Redesigning roles and workflows

True integration of generative AI into the workforce means rethinking traditional roles and workflows. Employers should consider how best AI can be incorporated into teams, redesigning roles to free people up for more valuable human tasks. 

An important first step is to identify the areas where generative AI can add value and save employees time. This might involve pinpointing specific tasks and sub-tasks that can be automated (not entire jobs), allowing people to focus on areas that require a human touch, such as strategic thinking, collaboration, and innovation. 

A culture of experimentation and learning is essential for successful AI integration. Employees should be encouraged to explore new tools and ways of using AI to improve workflows and processes. This not only fosters innovation but also helps employees to feel more in control of their careers, and in turn better job satisfaction and work-life balance. In fact learning itself has real benefits – we know that when we learn more, we get happier, healthier, we earn more and we live longer.

Clear guidelines and policies for AI use are also important. Employees need to understand how generative AI works, its limitations, and the ethical considerations involved. Providing this framework helps to ensure that AI is used responsibly and effectively within the business.

Enhancing collaboration and human skills

While AI can significantly enhance productivity, it is essential to balance automation with the skills that are innately human. Strategic thinking, collaboration, empathy, and leadership are some of the many areas where human creativity and insight remain invaluable. 

AI can handle tasks like data collection and admin ably, but strategic decisions and innovative ideas must be human led. Encouraging employees to use AI as a tool for enhancing these strategic capabilities can lead to more informed and effective decision-making.

Collaboration and communication are also essential in a workplace augmented by AI. While generative AI can facilitate communication by automating routine responses and scheduling, complex collaborative efforts need human interaction. Take a GP surgery as an example. Generative AI can be excellent at triaging and scheduling initial appointments, but you certainly wouldn’t trust it to relay a cancer diagnosis. 

Preparing for an AI-driven future

As AI continues to evolve, the workforce must be prepared for ongoing change. This requires a proactive approach from both employers and employees. Embracing lifelong learning is crucial. Employees should adopt a growth mindset, continuously updating their skills to keep pace with technological advancements. Employers can support this by providing access to training resources and fostering a learning-oriented culture.

Ethical and responsible AI use is another important consideration. Understanding the limitations and ethical considerations of AI ensures that the technology is used in a way that benefits both the organisation and its people. Establishing clear guidelines and policies helps to ensure transparency and accountability in AI use.

Regularly assessing the impact of AI on workflows and productivity can help identify areas for improvement and ensure that the technology is delivering the desired benefits. Monitor and measure its impact, and adjust your training strategies according to feedback from the people who are using it day-to-day. 

This balanced approach will be key to thriving in an AI-augmented future, where technology enhances human capabilities and enhances productivity. Through focused training initiatives, redesigned roles, and a culture of continuous learning, organisations can successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by generative AI.

Oli Latham is VP of Strategy and Growth at Pearson Workforce Skills

Main image courtesy of iStockPhoto.com and da-kuk