Overcoming AI Anxiety in Your Workforce

PwC research reveals that a stunning 100% of industries are expanding their use of AI, even industries like construction and mining, which are less obviously exposed to the AI space. It’s literally everywhere, and the technology is only growing more powerful and more popular. 

There is a flipside to this excitement that is causing anxiety among workers, though. HR leaders estimate that 37% of the workforce will be impacted by generative AI in the next two to five years, according to Gartner research. This anxiety among employees is warranted and natural, and a part of the cycle of any major technological shift. 

But that anxiety shouldn’t be ignored. If it’s left unaddressed, many employees (managers, and even leaders) will be resistant to using AI, and your organization will miss out on many of the very real benefits. This anxiety is a solvable problem, though—here’s how you should address AI anxiety in the workplace. 

Key Elements for Overcoming AI Anxiety at Work

Transparency 

This element is listed first because it’s the most critical one. When AI tools are used in non-disclosed ways, whether for employees or customers, it’s a very unpleasant surprise most of the time, leading to a loss of trust (see: Delta using AI behind the scenes for individual pricing). 

Your employees should know and understand how AI is being used in their roles and in the organization as a whole. If that seems like too big an ask, or impossible to fulfill, it’s possible your AI policies themselves need more transparency. 

Training 

It’s common for people to fear what they don’t understand, so help your employees by teaching them what they really need to know about AI. This includes how to use specific AI tools in their roles, how to use AI safely, and what it can and cannot do. A comprehensive training program will get everyone on the same (informed) page, plus your organization will benefit from enhanced productivity.  

Alignment 

AI can at times seem to be in a hype cycle where it’s hard to tell who is using it because it’s genuinely useful, and who is just using it to say they’re using it. Make this easy to understand for your employees by tying how you are using AI in your organization with your broader business goals. This helps everyone know the purpose behind the tools you’re asking them to implement. 

Clarity 

It’s also critical that employees have a strong sense of clarity around your organization’s use of AI, and what’s expected of them when using AI in their roles as well. You should have clear policies and procedures for things like data safety, privacy, legal issues like copyright, and guidelines on how to use and not use AI tools. These help employees know what is expected of them, how they’re protected, and what to do and not do, creating a sense of safety.  

Accountability 

AI is an incredibly powerful technology, but like any new technology, it also comes with very real risks when it’s implemented. You should have one clear person or team in charge of AI policies and tech at your company (whether that’s IT, HR, or another department) so that there is accountability and a structure for feedback and making changes. Be open to admitting when things don’t go as planned. This is normal with new technology, and honesty builds trust. 

Keep in Mind 

As you evolve the use of AI in your team and your organization, it’s natural that employees will have anxiety about a tool that they fear may change the way they work dramatically. These guidelines will help everyone feel more comfortable with AI tools, but it’s also important to remember: 

• All of these elements must be an ongoing commitment from your leadership team. AI is changing rapidly, and so is how we use it, so your organization needs to stay on top of issues and opportunities alike.  
• These elements are also good practice for the employee experience generally. It’s beneficial to be clear and transparent, to offer meaningful training opportunities, and to have clear goals and lines of accountability, so you can use this framework to build a better all-around organization as well.  

If your HR team is looking to implement AI ethically and easily, Cangrade can help. From a streamlined candidate experience to efficiently improving talent retention and mobility, there is a solution we can walk you through today.