In November 2022, generative AI tools like ChatGPT became a reality, changing how we work, how we communicate, and how we create. ChatGPT was the fastest-growing application in history, reaching a record of 180.5 million users within a year. It shows how big AI has become across industries: adopted rapidly.
As generative AI continues to evolve, employees are becoming more open to integrating it into their daily work. In fact, according to a recent survey by Jobs for the Future’s Center for Artificial Intelligence & the Future of Work, 58 percent of employees want to know how to use AI at work, and only 29 percent and 35 percent fear their jobs will be lost or cause harm to their company. But, even as interest in AI is growing, 88 percent of workers do not trust that their employers will explain how AI will help them.
Moreover, by integrating Microsoft Copilot into its workforce, KPMG leaped into the world of AI which resulted in a 50% increase in productivity for the firm’s 7,000 employees. This example shows us the true advantage of generative AI – the quantitative value it brings, and how urgent it is for businesses to train their teams in using these technologies well.
Now, when generative AI seems promising enough to get started with, let’s dip our toes into what generative AI is and why training your workforce in generative AI is so important.
What is Generative AI?
Generative AI is a subset of AI that can create new content, whether that’s text, image, code, or video. Unlike traditional AI models that rely on existing data, generative AI is based on algorithms of large language models (LLMs), that generate original content. As represented in tools like ChatGPT, DALL·E, and others, this state-of-the-art technology can produce coherent text or elaborate images based on relatively simple prompts.
This AI technology is super flexible and can be used in many industries. In marketing, it’s used to write content or help with ideas for a campaign. It powers AI chatbots in customer service so that they can respond to customers in real time. Many businesses partner with a chatbot development company in the USA to integrate these AI-powered solutions effectively.
This investment is expanding and so are the possibilities. A Forrester survey suggests that over 60% of the AI decision makers will spend more on generative AI than last year. So, it’s now or never for enterprises to adopt generative AI. Otherwise, they’ll be outpaced by the competition.
Examples of Specific Use Cases of Generative AI in the Workplace
Numerous practical applications of generative AI will greatly enhance business function efficiency. Here are some of the key use cases where this technology can make a difference in the workplace:
- Automating Knowledge Work: For example, AI tools like Microsoft Copilot can be used to automate tasks like summarizing reports, writing out emails, and organizing data. Integration of generative AI like Copilot in knowledge work enables a 50% productivity gain according to KPMG. Businesses can now focus on how to create an AI agent tailored to their specific needs, ensuring that employees spend less time on repetitive tasks.
- Enhancing Customer Support: AI chatbots are bringing real-time support to customers. Many companies are turning to enterprise solutions but enterprise chatbot pricing can vary based on the complexity and features needed. Using AI chatbots that businesses can deploy can help companies reduce the time it takes to respond to a customer request while maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.
- Training and Development: The application of generative AI for employees can help generate personalized learning materials that people would then need less training time for. For instance, AI tools can compile intricate guides, lesson plans, or interactive content tailored to the skill and learning degree of each employee.
- AI-Assisted Content Creation: For marketing teams inside of creative industries, generative AI can aid them in composing copy, crafting visuals, and even making entire ad campaigns. It saves you time creating the content and focuses more on strategy and less on execution.
Steps To Train Your Team Effectively on Generative AI
If you want your workforce to fully take advantage of the AI platform, you need to have a well-structured training plan. Here are the key steps to effectively train your employees:
- Identify Relevant AI Tools for Your Industry: The first step is to figure out which generative AI tools will be the most relevant to your business. But whichever it is, that’s where the selection of the tools becomes important — automating customer service, content creation, and data analysis. Match the tool to the company’s objectives — either by partnering with an AI expert or having the company evaluate its success.
- Create a Structured Training Program: Create an in-depth training program that includes the technical side and practical implementation of generative AI. As much as possible, this should include workshops, tutorials, and hands-on learning so your employees have an idea of how to use the tools.
- Provide Hands-on Experience: Doing teaches them the best. By giving them access to generative AI tools like Microsoft Copilot (or custom AI agents) they have a hands-on chance to try the software in a real-world context. You can consider including some case studies or one can cite some real business problems in the process of training.
- Ongoing Support and Updates: Learning doesn’t stop with AI technology. Make sure your team is updated regularly and gets new training as new features and AI come in. By creating a culture where your employees are more continually learning, you will be able to stay ahead of AI technology being developed.
Future-Proofing the Workforce
Preparing your workforce to use generative AI is more important than it’s ever been as generative AI becomes the new powerhouse for many industries. The companies that spend their money training in AI will be the companies that continue to stay competitive, improve their efficiency, and empower their employees to work smarter. If you take the time now to train your team effectively, you’ll be ready when the challenges and opportunities of 2025 and beyond arrive.
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