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AI isn’t just another buzzword floating around the corporate world. It’s touted as the newest disruptor and the future of work as we know it. AI is the new hype kid and a media darling. But it’s nothing new. AI has been around for decades with most people not even aware of its presence or their interactions with it.
2022 was a banner year in the scope and scale of artificial intelligence developments. Yet, some people are alarmed about “the out-of-control race to develop AI systems that cannot be understood, predicted or controlled.” The biggest players in tech, including Elon Musk, have come together to call on all AI labs to immediately pause for at least 6 months the training of AI systems more powerful than GPT-4 because they fear a threat to humanity.
I, Robot is not what most people infer when they think about AI in the workplace. Mostly, when people utilize different AI, they think about programs like ChatGPT, a natural language processing tool that allows its users to chat with it to create content. If you know how to prompt it correctly, the writing generated is not half bad. However, the machines are not capable of understanding context, empathy or emotion like humans do so don’t go firing your writers yet.
If you’re not already on the AI bandwagon, here’s a friendly heads-up: those who know the AI dance moves are moving on, while those who cling to the old routine risk being left behind in a dust cloud of obsolescence. In this blog, we won’t just talk about it; we’ll delve into real-world examples and the latest statistics to demonstrate why embracing AI in your role as an employee isn’t just important; it’s essential.
AI is Misunderstood and Underused by Most
Despite the widespread media attention and the growing presence of AI in various facets of our lives, actual adoption rates remain lower than one might expect. In a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in late 2022, they found that 27% of Americans reported interacting with AI several times a day, with an additional 28% indicating they do so approximately once a day or several times a week. However, the surprising revelation is that a substantial 44% of respondents believed that they do not regularly interact with AI, highlighting a significant disconnect between the media portrayal of AI’s omnipresence and the reality of its usage in everyday life.
AI in Everyday Life: It's More Common Than You Think
James Canington, our Marketing Director at Ardent, shared his perspective on AI in our daily lives: “I think most people, including me, don’t realize AI in our everyday life, such as my Nest thermostat regulating my home by learning my preference, Netflix knowing what I like and recommending things to me, and my Apple phone and watch working together to help influence better health choices. Apple Maps recognizes patterns in my travels and recommends the best route for the current road conditions. At work, it’s most clear that AI is in the mix because the software I’ll use touts it as a feature. The work that used to take hours only takes seconds now. AI is changing our systems and processes, and the more it learns about what we need, the more our personal job descriptions are going to have to change.”
Your Boss Thinks About AI Often
In today’s job market, AI is the ultimate secret sauce — especially in your boss’s mind. Although the mass population may not fully understand the ramifications of AI yet, according to a survey by PwC, 79% of CEOs believe that AI and automation will significantly change the way they do business in the next three to five years. It’s not enough to rely solely on your human skills; you need to complement them with AI-power.
Want to get ahead at work? Develop a Digital Mindset.
If you find yourself among the 73% who haven’t fully grasped AI or believe they interact with it daily, there are important steps you can take to stay relevant in the evolving work landscape. One such step is to cultivate what experts call a ‘digital mindset.’ This term has evolved into a defining trait for both successful leaders and organizations alike.
This French Company Doubled Its Revenue
Leaders such as Thierry Breton, who led the French IT services giant Atos, have shown that a digital mindset goes beyond mere technical proficiency. It’s a philosophy that empowers employees to leverage digital tools and data for innovation and growth. When Breton took over the company in 2008, he knew that a major shake-up in the company’s business plan was essential to compete on a global scale. His Modus Operandi? He doubled the size of the workforce and penned a three-year digital transformation strategy that required employees to adopt a “digital mindset.”
The Digital Transformation Unveiled
Within Breton’s team, there were deliberations about the optimal approach to achieve these objectives. Some advocated for an extensive training program as the sole path, while others were firm in their belief that learning is most effective when integrated into the actual work environment. Ultimately, they established the Digital Transformation Factory upskilling certification program. Initially, the objective was to equip 35,000 employees, spanning both technical and non-technical roles, with expertise in digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
Upskill the Way to Success
Employees who develop digital mindsets are more successful in their jobs, have higher satisfaction at work, and are more likely to get promoted.
How Can You Develop a Digital Mindset at Your Own Workplace?
You don’t have to be the next Elon Musk to learn how to utilize AI in your own workplace. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve and embrace a ‘digital mindset,’ we’ve got some practical steps to guide you. Let’s dive in and explore how you can thrive.
- Recognize AI is a Tool, Not a Replacement: “AI will steal my job!” Sound familiar? Concerned that AI will snatch your job? Don’t fret. Understand that AI is a tool, not a job thief. While the apps we’ve all tried make work life more productive, a human is still required to do the work. By realizing you can harness these tools to supercharge productivity, you’re heading in the right direction to stay valuable in the ever-changing job landscape.
- Embrace Your Inner Tech Explorer: You don’t have to be the next Elon Musk to thrive in the AI era. Go ahead and kick the (AI) tires without any fear of having to commit. Try out any number of AI-powered tools, apps, and software, all aimed at helping you work smarter, not harder.
- Learning is the New Black: Think of learning about AI as upgrading your professional wardrobe. It’s not just fashionable; it’s essential. Enroll in FREE courses, watch webinars, or follow news.
- Chat with the Digital Natives: Talk to those tech-savvy colleagues of yours. Statistically, there are a few on each team. Ask questions, seek advice, and keep trying new things with the coworkers on your team.
- Trial and Error is Your Best Friend: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is AI expertise. Experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them.
- Follow AI Influencers: Stay in the loop by following thought leaders and AI influencers in the industry. These experts often share valuable insights, trends, and the latest developments in AI. You can find them on social media, blogs, and professional networks. By staying connected with AI influencers, you’ll gain access to a wealth of knowledge and stay updated on the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence.
- Stay Curious, Stay Relevant: In the world of AI, curiosity is your best friend. Keep asking questions, exploring, and adapting. Remember, AI is here to make your life easier, not to steal your coffee breaks.
Adapting to AI: A Necessity, Not an Option
Resisting AI is like trying to hold back a tsunami with an umbrella. It just won’t work. According to a recent study by Gartner, 37% of organizations have already implemented AI in some form across their business. Embracing AI isn’t just about job security; it’s about thriving in a world where human-machine collaboration reigns supreme. So, here’s your cue: take the leap, learn, adapt, and become the AI-enabled employee of tomorrow. Your future self will thank you.
At Ardent, we’re not just about sharing insights; we’re here to help you navigate the exciting intersection of AI and business. Reach out today, and let’s start a conversation about how we can help you.
