Training employees to use AI effectively has become one of the most talked about topics in the workplace over the past year. But pharmaceutical giant Moderna is ahead of the curve.
Moderna, famous for producing the coronavirus vaccine, introduced its own AI training program for employees in December 2021 called “AI Academy.” The goal was to streamline workflows and allow employees to develop drugs faster.
When first announced, all staff were required to take an AI fundamentals course to gain the same basic level of knowledge and awareness about AI. But Franklin said the company quickly realized that a “one-size-fits-all” approach to AI training wasn't working. Some employees felt the course was too basic, while others said it was too complex.
“We tried to apply the same level of awareness to everyone, and that worked in certain situations, but not in others,” says Franklin.
The company has since reworked its AI curriculum, dividing the subject into six different educational courses for different skill levels. Employees who only want to learn the basics of AI can do so, while others can develop more technically focused AI skills. Current courses offered include “GPT Kickstart,” a training session that teaches employees the basics of how to use ChatGPT, “AI Applications,” a training session that teaches employees how to use the data and machine learning platform Dataiku, and “Data Visualization.” ” courses, etc.
The company initially launched an AI education program in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University, which Franklin said has been “a big help” in terms of prestige and credibility. However, Moderna has since brought its AI upskilling learning program fully in-house.
Franklin said that when the course first launched, the course's Net Promoter Score (NPS), or the likelihood that an employee would recommend the program to a colleague, was “fair, but not great.” Currently, Mr. Franklin says his NPS for this program is 71. Generally, anything above 50 is considered a positive rating.
The company's move to specific learning tracks “makes people want to stay engaged because we've actually changed the content based on feedback,” Franklin says.
In 2023, 25% of all Moderna employees participated in the academy, and the company aims to triple that percentage by the end of 2024. Although taking an AI class is not required, Franklin said it is highly encouraged, especially for knowledge workers. Legal Department and Communications Department.
For other companies currently looking for ways to deploy their own AI training, Franklin says the most important advice he can share with his fellow CHROs is “don't step it up.” “I want to do everything in my power to really set the cultural stage that this is where the organization operates,” she says.
Another piece of advice: Don't tell your employees that using AI will save your company money. “Don't drive this with cost issues, because that's not going to excite your employees,” she added.
Paige McGloughlin
paige.mcglauflin@fortune.com
@payment
Today's issue was edited by Emma Burley.
around the table
A roundup of the most important HR headlines.
– To address the crisis in mental well-being and productivity, a new leadership role is emerging: the Chief Happiness Officer. financial times
– As companies face increasing pressure to become more efficient, middle managers account for nearly one-third of all layoffs in the United States. bloomberg
– Tech workers are coming to terms with a brutal new reality: learn AI or expect less pay. wall street journal
water cooler
Everything you need to know luck.
Breaking with tradition. Sen. Bernie Sanders wants to push for a four-day, 32-hour work week legislate without reducing employee salaries. —chloe burger
I run away. Uber and Lyft officially withdraw their operations After the Minneapolis City Council passed a new law guaranteeing drivers the local minimum wage —AP
It's not gradual. Delivery company Deliveroo is not concerned about the new EU law allowing gig workers to be recognized as employees, saying it will not affect most of its business. —ryan hogg
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