As AI becomes integral to various industries, the debate between AI replacing people and AI...
This section discusses the role of upskilling and reskilling programs in preparing employees for working alongside artificial intelligence. Several years ago, I participated in a panel discussion regarding the impact of smartphones, drawing comparisons to how individuals are equipped with new capabilities through technology. At that time, the potential of personal technology was still being recognized. In the current era of artificial intelligence, organizations are expected to prepare their workforce for future demands. This involves ensuring that employees gain relevant technical skills as well as guidance on ethical frameworks to use emerging technologies safely and responsibly.
As with other organizational areas, comprehensive training is associated with improved outcomes. These programs should develop not only technical skills such as data analysis, machine learning, and AI integration, but also abilities like adaptability, critical thinking, and innovation. It is important for employees to identify scenarios where AI tools are suitable and when human involvement is necessary, often described as the “human in the loop” approach. AI systems carry out analytical functions and do not possess emotional reasoning; thus, some roles or tasks may remain more suitable for humans, while others may benefit from automation.
Addressing employee concerns about AI in the workplace is another aspect of training. As automation and intelligent systems become more common, employees may have questions about job changes, shifts in responsibilities, or the value of human input. These concerns frequently stem from incomplete training or uncertainty about AI's potential to support human work. In some organizations, these issues have been observed. Evidence suggests that removing human oversight from AI-driven processes can result in less effective outcomes. Clear communication, collaborative planning, and robust training can help address these matters and clarify AI’s role as a supportive tool.
Training can also establish guidelines and boundaries for the responsible use of AI. This includes instruction on creating and enforcing policies governing the use and monitoring of AI systems, with attention to transparency, fairness, and accountability. Ethical guidelines should consider topics such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and possible misuse or unintended effects. This further highlights the principle of human-augmented AI, wherein people maintain oversight and AI provides assistance rather than replacement. Providing employees with the knowledge to use AI can promote productivity, informed decision-making, and organizational competitiveness in a digital environment.
