Creating a Culture of Learning to Support AI Adoption
As the workplace continues to evolve with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), many organizations are grappling with how to engage employees in adopting the technology. A growing body of research suggests that education and visibility are key strategies HR leaders can use to drive AI engagement across the workforce.
According to a report from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), 51% of employees believe their organizations should prioritize enhanced training and upskilling to support the implementation of AI tools. This aligns with a broader trend of enthusiasm for reskilling: 86% of employees across 16 countries say they are willing to retrain if future job requirements shift due to AI or automation.
Andy Biladeau, SHRM’s Chief Transformation Officer, highlighted the importance of active and immersive learning experiences. “In a thriving learning culture, managers are presenting day-to-day assignments as skill-building moments rather than simply delegated tasks,” Biladeau explained. He emphasized the value of embedding a growth mindset in workplace culture, shifting the focus from “learning in the flow of work” to “work in the flow of learning.”
To effectively engage employees, SHRM recommends that organizations approach AI training with intentionality and strategic foresight. Training programs should be tailored for employee success and not merely viewed as procedural onboarding. Additionally, employees should be encouraged to share feedback about their experiences with AI tools, with HR and leadership actively incorporating this input into future strategies.
Why Visibility Matters in AI Engagement
Beyond education, visibility also plays a vital role in encouraging employees to embrace AI technologies. A report by behavioral science firm Irrational Labs underscores the concept of “behavioral contagion”—the idea that people are more likely to adopt behaviors they observe in others. The study found that employees are significantly more inclined to use AI when they know at least one colleague who uses it regularly.
Furthermore, 79% of employees surveyed said they would be more likely to adopt AI if their managers endorsed its use. “Leaders wanting to encourage AI adoption should make AI usage more visible within their organization,” the report stated. “Making AI usage a visible social norm accelerates adoption.”
This behavioral insight suggests that managers and team leaders should not only use AI tools themselves but also openly discuss their benefits and applications. Doing so can create a ripple effect throughout the organization, normalizing AI usage and reducing hesitation among staff.
Overcoming Employee Fears About AI
Despite increasing awareness and willingness to retrain, many employees remain hesitant about AI. SHRM’s report indicated that 55% of employees have yet to adopt AI tools, citing concerns around ethics, oversight, and job security. These fears are especially prevalent among younger generations, including Millennials and Gen Z workers.
Such concerns are not unfounded, as the broader discourse around AI often includes discussions about automation replacing human jobs. However, HR leaders have a critical role to play in addressing these fears. SHRM Chief Human Resources Officer Jim Link emphasized the importance of integrating human intelligence with artificial intelligence. “HR needs to be a leading voice in AI implementation,” he said. “You can’t roll out a new technology successfully if you’re ignoring that human element.”
Interestingly, while 68% of employees believe HR should lead AI adoption efforts, only 26% of HR professionals are currently highly involved in these initiatives. This gap underscores the need for HR departments to step up and lead AI integration efforts more proactively.
Building a Future-Ready Workforce
Ultimately, fostering AI engagement among employees is not just about adopting new technologies—it’s about nurturing a resilient and future-ready workforce. A strong learning culture that prioritizes skill development, encourages open dialogue, and showcases AI usage can go a long way in easing the transition.
“Building a strong learning culture does more than improve engagement and productivity,” Link added. “It supports the entire employee experience, which we know retains your best people, delivers better business outcomes, and keeps you resilient for whatever shifts come next.”
As AI continues to reshape the workplace landscape, organizations that invest in education, foster visibility, and empower HR to lead the way will be best positioned to thrive in the digital era.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.
