Companies struggle with generative A.I. training due to its rapid changes, making it difficult to predict how the job will be different.

Companies struggle with generative A.I. training due to its rapid changes, making it difficult to predict how the job will be different.

Embracing the AI Revolution: Training Employees to Harness the Power of Generative AI

The introduction of ChatGPT in November brought with it a wave of anticipation and trepidation, as people contemplated the transformative power of this technology in the workplace. However, the process of change, particularly in larger organizations, is not always swift. In many cases, the hype surrounding AI has far outpaced companies’ ability to adapt. As a result, employees eager to stay ahead of the curve and alleviate their workloads find themselves in a state of limbo, waiting for clear guidelines and training from their employers.

According to a survey conducted by Boston Consulting Group Inc., over 85% of employees believe they will need training to understand how AI will impact their roles. Surprisingly, less than 15% have received any such training. However, the tides may be turning. While some companies have outright banned tools like ChatGPT due to information security concerns, others have embraced generative AI wholeheartedly, scrambling to develop and launch company-wide training programs.

As an example, consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) plans to roll out mandatory training to its entire US workforce over a five-month period, starting in August. Recognizing employees’ concerns about how AI will affect their jobs, PwC’s US Chief People Officer, Yolanda Seals-Coffield, emphasizes the importance of demystifying the technology. By teaching people about AI, the company aims to dispel myths and provide employees with a foundational understanding of its capabilities and ethical use.

To ensure comprehensive training, PwC has segmented its workforce into three layers based on the depth of knowledge required. The first layer focuses on mandatory training for all employees, regardless of their roles. This introductory training covers the basics of generative AI, its mechanisms, best practices, and responsible usage. The second layer caters to software engineers who need more technical training to integrate AI into internal systems. The third layer concentrates on senior leaders who require a thorough understanding to guide clients in transforming their businesses. PwC is not aiming to create an entire workforce of technical experts but to equip employees with the necessary knowledge to effectively leverage AI.

While PwC’s training roadmap is detailed, the firm has intentionally set its endpoint at December. The field of AI is constantly evolving, and PwC wants to remain adaptable. Seals-Coffield states, “We want to make sure that we’re not stuck and committed to something that by January will need to be completely redone.”

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Other companies, such as Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., are adopting a slightly less structured approach. This consulting firm offers voluntary formal training sessions, allowing staff to attend two virtual sessions per week to learn best practices. Additionally, new hires have access to a retooled full-time training program with a stronger focus on generative AI.

Digital consultancy Publicis Sapient takes a more targeted approach, tailoring training to employees’ specific job roles. Chief People Officer Kameshwari Rao states that the company has made prompt engineering, the art of crafting precise questions to obtain the best answers from chatbots, a requirement for all employees. As an initial step, engineers are expected to complete prompt engineering training by September.

Alternatively, some companies promote a learn-by-doing philosophy. Coursera Inc.’s CEO, Jeff Maggioncalda, announced earlier this year that the company would reimburse employees who wished to upgrade to the enterprise version of ChatGPT. Employees were encouraged to experiment with AI technology in their work and share their learnings in dedicated Slack channels and regular all-hands meetings. Maggioncalda emphasized the importance of speed, enabling employees to start learning as soon as possible.

Maggioncalda also acknowledges that the process of organizational transformation cannot be solely bottom-up or top-down. Middle managers play a significant role in facilitating this change. As such, Coursera is developing training programs to equip middle managers with the skills needed to guide and teach their direct reports in adapting their job roles.

Embracing the AI revolution requires commitment from both employers and employees. By fostering a learning environment and providing comprehensive training programs, companies can unleash the potential of generative AI and empower their workforce to thrive in the new era of technology. Change may take time, but with the right investment in training and education, organizations can transform uncertainty into opportunity.

Note: This article has been rewritten based on the provided content and does not represent the personal opinions or expertise of the writer.