Generative AI has rightfully made many employees, and employers, rethink the nature of work. For many, that has come with fears over jobs made redundant, and waves of AI bots taking jobs from their human counterparts. But in reality, AI has just opened up opportunity for employers to reskill their workforce for the digital age.
Kameshwari Rao, chief people officer at Publicis Sapient based in New York City, shares how she and her HR team are preparing its workforce, and how other HR leaders can reskill and upskill to take advantage of this new tool, and new era.
How should organizations be upskilling and reskilling their workforces to keep up with the wave of generative AI job disruption?
Organizations are currently navigating a transformative period driven by the emergence of Gen AI. The evolving nature of work, propelled by AI advancements, demands a multi-dimensional approach to individual growth. Just as the integration of word processors raised concerns among typists, the integration of AI into daily operations prompts questions about the future of work.
While AI is nothing new, the concept of an “AI job” has only emerged in the last year, revealing a gap between job descriptions and the current skills of the workforce. To address this, organizations must prioritize continuous learning and provide opportunities for upskilling and reskilling.
Upskilling and reskilling efforts should focus on equipping employees with specialized skill sets such as data science, machine learning, AI engineering and ethical AI governance. These skills are crucial for navigating the evolving technological landscape and are aligned with the dynamic nature of emerging technologies. To achieve this, organizations should implement comprehensive training programs and utilize technology-based learning platforms to facilitate skill development.
Rather than seeking “AI talent,” organizations should look for workers with AI-adjacent skills, such as data engineering and machine learning, who can then learn large language models/prompt engineering skills applicable to new AI-specific roles within the organization.
Why is it important for organizations to train their workforces on Gen AI tools?
Research indicates that a significant portion of HR executives anticipate a skills gap in their companies due to the rise of AI. In light of this, it’s imperative for organizations to prioritize upskilling and reskilling initiatives to remain competitive in this evolving landscape.
Training on Gen AI and AI tools is essential for several reasons. Firstly, training ensures that employees possess the necessary skills to leverage Gen AI and AI tools effectively in their roles. With the rapid advancement of technology, proficiency in areas like data science, machine learning and AI engineering is becoming increasingly valuable.
Training on AI tools is also essential for ensuring ethical and responsible AI practices within organizations. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into various aspects of business operations, it is essential to educate employees about the ethical considerations and potential implications of AI technologies. By promoting awareness and understanding of ethical AI governance principles, organizations can mitigate risks and build trust with stakeholders.
Furthermore, training on Gen AI and AI tools enhances employee engagement and retention. Employees value opportunities for skill development and growth within their roles. By investing in training initiatives, organizations demonstrate a commitment to employee development, which can contribute to higher levels of job satisfaction and retention. As organizations continue to navigate the evolving technological landscape, investing in comprehensive training programs will be critical to maintaining competitiveness and driving long-term success.
What learning programs should organizations put in place to do so?
To effectively train their workforces on Gen AI and AI tools, organizations should implement a range of learning programs tailored to the needs of their employees. These programs should prioritize continuous learning, skill development and fostering a culture of innovation. Several key learning programs can support these objectives, including thoughtfully designed programs emphasizing impactful behaviors and Gen AI events to provide in-depth knowledge and insights.
By implementing a combination of these learning programs, organizations can effectively train their workforces on Gen AI and AI tools, ensuring they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the digital age.
What programs does Publicis Sapient have in place to train its workforce in the effective and safe use of Gen AI tools?
At Publicis Sapient, proactive measures have been taken to address the need for Gen AI training within our own workforce. We have launched a Gen AI Learning Hub, offering tailored learning programs to all employees. This platform provides a scalable model for flexible learning, accommodating diverse workforces and encouraging exploration of AI’s value beyond routine tasks. With curated learning paths on Gen AI, employees can engage in structured modules or experiential learning to enhance their proficiency in AI technologies.
In addition to the Gen AI Learning Hub, Publicis Sapient hosts a Gen AI Spotlight Series, which delves into various aspects of generative AI through events. These events provide in-depth knowledge and insights, keeping our workforce informed, motivated and attuned to the dynamic landscape of Gen AI. By offering opportunities for focused exploration, employees can deepen their understanding of AI technologies and their applications in real-world scenarios.
Publicis Sapient also emphasizes prompt engineering training for all employees, ensuring that prompt language becomes integral to coding practices. By cultivating a culture of experimentation and encouraging employees to explore and innovate, the company enhances adaptability to evolving technologies, empowering employees to embrace Gen AI tools safely and effectively.
