Many white-collar workers are concerned about how generative artificial intelligence (AI) will affect their jobs. While companies are slowly adapting to this technology, employees are left waiting for guidelines and training. A survey by Boston Consulting Group Inc. found that over 85% of employees believe they will need training to address the changes AI will bring, but less than 15% have received any so far.
To address the growing concern, some companies are implementing company-wide training programs. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, for example, is rolling out mandatory training to its entire US workforce starting in August. The training is divided into three tiers based on the depth of understanding required. The first tier covers the basics of generative AI, while the second tier focuses on technical training for software engineers. The third tier targets senior leaders who need a thorough understanding of AI to assist clients in transforming their businesses.
Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. takes a more flexible approach by offering voluntary formal training sessions, with employees attending virtual sessions on best practices. Additionally, new hires participate in a full-time training program that focuses on generative AI.
Publicis Sapient, a digital consultancy, is requiring all employees to learn prompt engineering, which involves crafting precise questions to obtain the best answers from chatbots. Engineers are asked to complete this training by September.
Some companies are encouraging employees to learn through practical experience. Coursera Inc., an online learning platform, reimburses employees who upgrade to the enterprise version of ChatGPT and encourages them to experiment and share their learnings with others.
Organizational transformation is seen as a collaborative effort involving bottom-up and top-down approaches. Middle managers play a significant role in teaching their direct reports how to adapt to job changes. Coursera is developing training programs to equip middle managers with the necessary skills to guide employees effectively.
Preparing employees for the impact of AI on jobs is essential. By providing training and support, companies can help their workforce adapt to technological advancements and remain competitive in a changing work environment.
