The Human Side of Artificial Intelligence: 3 Tips for Navigating the AI Era

If the workplace of 2020 was defined by the pandemic-era remote work revolution, 2024 could be defined as the age of rapid technological advancement. Where organizations once scrambled to train individuals on how to successfully navigate remote work and video conferencing, artificial intelligence (AI) has now become the technological behemoth of the moment. The widespread integration of AI is inevitable and can make learning how to Zoom feel remedial.

In an era marked by rapid evolution, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the workplace is ushering with it a wave of change that comes with a variety of feelings. Change itself, let alone rapid technological change that impacts both our professional and personal lives, can elicit many human feelings ranging from fear to excitement. Wiley Workplace Intelligence sought to discover how organizations are managing this change and whether they have the tools they need to lead during this shift.

We surveyed 2,005 individuals and found that a staggering 96% of employees are experiencing some degree of stress about change at work, with over half reporting moderate levels of anxiety as they navigate the complexities of AI adoption.

This discovery reflects a broader landscape of uncertainty, where the promise of innovation collides with the challenges of adapting to new technologies. As organizations are forced to at least acknowledge the widespread implications of AI, the question becomes: how can organizations effectively navigate, and lead, in the face of rapid change?

The real measure of effective change management extends beyond the implementation of the AI tools themselves; it encompasses how employees are coping with these transitions and whether managers are equipped to guide their teams through this evolving landscape. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for fostering a supportive environment that maintains its human heart in an increasingly technological world.

Support for AI is Greater Than the Skills Needed to Implement

While a notable 91% of employees feel generally supported by their managers, that feeling does not fully translate into confidence regarding AI integration. A large majority (80%) of respondents reported that their manager is supportive of their efforts to integrate AI, but that number drops to 60% when it comes to whether they think their manager is knowledgeable about how to effectively integrate AI into their workflows.

As organizations push forward with AI initiatives, bridging this gap between support and proficiency is essential to ensure a successful transition.

How to Support AI Integration and Reduce Stress

Our research shows that while the motivation is there, organizations are still finding their footing when it comes to providing a roadmap for AI integration, leaving room for confusion and anxiety.

Investing in efforts to support employees during these periods of technological advancement is crucial. The successful adoption of AI hinges on more than just access, it requires that people be both informed and confident in utilizing these new tools. By providing robust support and training, organizations can alleviate stress, enhance, or build new skills, and foster a culture of adaptability, which in turn boosts productivity and innovation.

When people are supported, they are more likely to embrace change, reducing resistance and increasing overall engagement with AI initiatives. Proactive efforts help to mitigate the risk of disruptions and ensures that AI integration aligns with organizational goals, rather than becoming a source of friction.

To effectively support employees in integrating AI and reducing stress during periods of change, organizations must prioritize a multifaceted approach encompassing support, transparency, and effective communication. Given that only 18% of employees reported that their managers always reduce stress during transitions, there is a clear need for improvement. Managers can play a pivotal role by consistently providing support and fostering an environment of transparency, as these factors are critical in alleviating employee anxiety.

Three Ways to Embrace AI Integration

Navigating technological change, particularly the integration of AI which can often feel nebulous, can be challenging. Here are three key tips to help organizations manage this transition effectively:

Provide Clear Use Cases and Training: 75% of our respondents reported that they lack confidence in how to utilize AI at work. Organizations should strive to clearly define how AI can be applied within their specific teams and roles, and what specific tools can be leveraged. By offering targeted training sessions that detail practical applications and best practices, employees will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to leverage AI effectively, reducing uncertainty.

Enhance Transparency and Communication: With 40% of those surveyed struggling to understand how to integrate AI into their work, it is crucial for organizations to maintain transparent communication about the AI implementation process. This includes explaining the purpose and benefits of AI, addressing accuracy, privacy, and ethical concerns, and providing regular updates to ensure everyone is informed.

Invest in Managerial Training: Since only 34% of people managers we surveyed feel equipped to support AI integration, investing in managerial training is essential. Empowering managers with the skills and knowledge needed to guide their teams through AI adoption will not only bolster their ability to address concerns but also foster a more supportive and effective transition for employees.

By focusing on these areas, organizations can create a more informed and resilient workforce, making the integration of AI a smoother and more successful process.

As organizations forge ahead into an era dominated by technological advancements, it becomes increasingly clear that the future of work hinges on the powerful combination of technology and human skills. Navigating technological change, particularly with innovations like AI, require more than just technical prowess; it demands a deep investment in the human side of transformation.

Ultimately, it is the synergy between advanced technologies and the nuanced capabilities of people that will define the success of future workplaces, paving the way for a more dynamic and empowered professional landscape, no matter what comes next.

Wiley’s suite of professional solutions provides a structure and common language to help empower entire organizations with the skills needed to get to the next level. From building better teams with The Five Behaviors^®, and improving understanding to create engaged, collaborative, and adaptive cultures with Everything DiSC^® on Catalyst, helping you make confident hiring decisions with PXT Select^®, or unlocking the power of leadership at every level with The Leadership Challenge^®, Wiley has innovative solutions that help make the workplace a better place.

Wiley Workplace Intelligence conducts in-depth research on key workplace issues by gathering insights from individual contributors, managers, and leaders. Wiley Workplace Intelligence then analyzes these findings to provide actionable solutions that are shared in our blog.