Most companies have embraced AI for their operations, but they’re not tapping into AI’s potential to improve employee collaboration, teamwork, leadership, and overall employee engagement. Businesses are quickly adopting AI; when asked by Deloitte, 91% of corporate leaders said that AI solutions had become integrated throughout their organizations. Yet many companies aren’t making holistic use of AI tools. Sure, they’re leveraging AI to improve processes and create efficiencies, but they’re not necessarily leaning on AI to elevate the employee experience when it comes to day-to-day communication, engagement, and team collaboration.
This isn’t to say that communication isn’t happening. It is, but it’s becoming increasingly (and frustratingly) inefficient and way too frequent. According to the 2024 State of Communication Report published by Grammarly, employees spend 88% of their time on communications. However, all that communicating is backfiring and causing employees stress, productivity loss, and poor colleague relationships. In other words, we’re spending a lot of time trying to make connections but keep missing the mark. That’s where a different approach to AI in the workforce could help.
Rather than only seeing the tactical, process workflow, or profit-related benefits of artificial intelligence in the workplace, we need to start thinking about AI and the possibilities for its impact on human connection. Handled well, AI can be used to evaluate data or produce reports and enhance the human-to-human connection in your workplace. When many teams are distributed geographically, human-centered AI can promote strong, authentic collaboration and interactions between people who may never see each other in person.
1. Anticipate Pushback
Many people are reluctant to accept AI as a positive force due to a proliferation of doomsday-style articles about the tool. Plus, humans are naturally averse to change. Given those facts, you must anticipate “Will this replace me?” worries associated with any new AI program. How can you assuage fears about AI? First, be forthright about your goals when it comes to AI and the need to remove friction from team communications. Explain that your goal is to help everyone do their jobs better and feel more connected. You may even want to share examples like the one from Microsoft to illustrate how AI can be beneficial.
Ultimately, AI will be at the heart of future workplace collaboration, and it’s important to set your team up for success with these new tools from the get-go. By offering transparent communication and demonstrating the positive impacts AI can have, you can begin to shift perceptions and reduce resistance. Moreover, involvement from the team in the AI adoption process can help them see the technology as an ally rather than a threat. It’s essential to maintain an ongoing dialogue about AI’s role and benefits to keep everyone aligned and motivated.
2. Establish an AI Division
More companies are creating CAIO functions to ensure someone “owns” their AI transformations—both for how to leverage AI operationally and internally and for external-facing impact with respect to products and services offered to their customers. While you don’t necessarily have to do likewise, do assign an individual (or team) to oversee your AI strategy. This role should offer “office hours” focused on using AI, which can greatly support your team. Your AI liaison will play a pivotal role in rolling out any human-centric AI, as well as tracking agreed-upon metrics. The liaison will also be able to set up AI training for everyone, including HR.
Consider also setting up accounts in different AI tools “for fun” so they can test-drive AI tools in a low-stakes way. There’s also nothing wrong with incentivizing AI adoption with swag, points, or money to emphasize your commitment to making the process rewarding. Setting a clear roadmap for AI advancements and ensuring that your team is well aware of these updates can foster a more embracing attitude towards AI. Training programs tailored to demonstrate AI’s potential in improving communication and collaboration can be particularly compelling.
3. Highlight Internal Success Stories
While many companies have integrated AI into their operations, they often overlook its potential to enhance employee collaboration, teamwork, leadership, and engagement. According to Deloitte, 91% of corporate leaders report that AI solutions are now embedded in their organizations. However, the focus remains largely on improving processes and efficiencies, not on boosting the employee experience in terms of communication and teamwork.
Communication is happening, but it’s becoming increasingly inefficient and overwhelming. The 2024 State of Communication Report by Grammarly reveals that employees spend 88% of their time on communications. Yet, this constant communication often leads to stress, reduced productivity, and strained relationships among colleagues. Essentially, while we aim to foster connections, we’re frequently falling short.
This is where a shift in the application of AI could make a significant difference. Beyond streamlining workflows or boosting profits, AI has the potential to enhance human connections within the workplace. By leveraging AI to analyze data or generate reports, it can also foster genuine interactions and collaboration, especially in geographically dispersed teams. A human-centered approach to AI can help create strong, authentic connections among employees who might never meet in person.