Over the three years since arriving on the scene, generative AI, with its eerie ability to mimic human communication, has steadily adopted some of the tasks people normally do. Some people who make a living through language and research-intensive roles are worried about losing their jobs.
This kind of fear has been amplified by the recent rise of agent AI, allowing more advanced types of AI to make decisions and act autonomously. These AI systems could take over more tasks and eliminate more tasks. Recent reports suggest that it is beginning to happen.
To alleviate these concerns, businesses often only commit to using AI in complementary ways, rather than taking over creative activities. They also say they train employees in a way that uses AI as a helper and train them in how to upskill them for new roles if their old work is eliminated by automation. The hope is that AI will free people to do more.
EY is in the midst of such transformation. Previously known as Ernst & Young, it is one of the Big Four accounting firms, along with Deloitte, KPMG and PWC. All four companies have consulting wings that help them implement new technologies internally and share what they have learned with their clients.
In this episode of Enterprise app has been unpackedleads EY's AI, data and emerging technology initiatives as Global Chief Innovation Officer, Joe Depa, speaks about the ongoing AI-driven restructuring, including these key components.
- How does EY train 400,000 employees to use AI?
- What parts of your business are automated?
- How EY employees respond to all the changes.
Encouragement is key
Joe Depa
Department Store said EY will tailor AI training for various roles and personas. This starts with training to recognize what AI is and how to use it. Some training drills down to AI skills for specific jobs. Other curricula focuses on consulting roles and software engineering and delivery.
AI training is not essential for all employees, but there are also things you need to receive training in privacy, security and risk. “Beyond that, I believe encouragement is the key and that obligations will not promote the right action. “I strongly recommend that you take this training.
As a result, 89% of EY employees take optional fundamental courses. It is also not mandatory: I use EY's internally generated AI tool, Ey.ai Eyq, but still has an adoption rate of 81%.
Other topics discussed in the podcast include:
- The work involved in developing the course and measuring its effectiveness.
- The lesson I learned from my development is that it shared with my clients.
- One thing employees struggle with AI training.
David Essex is an industry editor that covers enterprise applications, emerging technologies, and market trends and creates detailed content for several TechTarget websites.
