❌ this is no longer just an option

Hi folks! 👋 

Mariam Mushtaq here from HR Brain Pickings. You’re probably just sorting through your emails after the long weekend. If you’re reading this, grab a cup of coffee and spend 5 minutes catching up with us. 😊

In This Edition:

Yesterday, we discussed BYOAI and AI power users. Today, we’ll explore what companies are doing to drive AI adoption with more insights from the 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report.

Last Edition: See what other readers said 🔍️ 

We had a quite a lot of engagement in our last edition, so before we get into more insights from the report, let’s look at how our readers responded to yesterdays polls!

 📊 Poll: What's Your Biggest AI Challenge in HR?

Our poll revealed that the top AI challenge faced by our readers is "Something else", which accounted for 24.25% of the votes. This suggests a variety of unique challenges that aren't fully captured by the common options.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Integrating AI with existing HR systems (22.10%): Many organizations struggle with seamlessly embedding AI tools into their current workflows, indicating a need for better integration solutions.

• Training staff to use AI tools (20.60%): This highlights the necessity for comprehensive training programs to ensure that employees are well-equipped to utilize AI tools effectively.

• Overwhelmed by the number of available AI tools [84 votes (18.03%)]: The plethora of AI tools available can be overwhelming, suggesting a need for clearer guidance on selecting the right tools.

• Ensuring data privacy and compliance (15.02%): As AI becomes more prevalent, maintaining data privacy and compliance remains a critical concern for HR professionals.

• Something else (24.25%): We are curious to know what is indicated by "something else" - we are dedicated to helping and supporting the HR community. Please share what specific challenge you face with AI in HR, and we will do our best to address it and help you out. 👇️

📊 Poll: Which Type of AI User Do You Think You Are?

We also asked our readers to identify their AI usage level. The majority identified as Novices, indicating a keen interest in exploring AI but still at the early stages of adoption. Here’s how you categorized yourselves:

• Explorers (25.50%): Represent a significant portion, actively experimenting with AI. These users are likely looking for more advanced tips and best practices.

• Skeptics (23.94%): Almost a quarter of respondents rarely use AI, highlighting barriers such as skepticism, lack of knowledge, or insufficient resources.

• Power Users (21.73%): A substantial group that extensively uses AI, showcasing the potential productivity and efficiency gains that AI can offer when fully leveraged.

• Novices 130 votes (28.82%): The largest group, indicating many are in the early stages of their AI journey. This suggests a strong need for foundational AI education and training.

❌ AI adoption is no longer just an option

Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance, integrating AI into your skill set is crucial for staying competitive and accelerating your professional development. Here are some compelling stats from the report:

• 77% of leaders believe that early-in-career talent will be given greater responsibilities due to AI.

• 76% of professionals say they need AI skills to remain competitive in the job market.

• 69% believe AI can help them get promoted faster.

Leaders are now clearly recognizing the transformative potential of AI for business processes.

✅ So, how can your company drive AI adoption?

Here are some quick tips to effectively drive AI adoption and support your workforce:

1. Leadership Buy-In and Advocacy: Leadership should actively promote the benefits of AI and set a positive tone for its use across the organization.

   Interestingly, 41% of leaders expect to redesign business processes with AI within the next five years. That’s promising huh? 😌 

2. Tailored Training Programs: Provide specific training resources that focus on how to use AI tools effectively in various roles.

   This helps bridge the skill gap and empowers employees. However, only 25% of companies are planning to offer training on generative AI this year. 🤔 

3. Encouraging Experimentation: Create a culture that encourages experimentation with AI. Employees should feel comfortable exploring new AI tools and techniques.

   The use of LinkedIn Learning courses for AI skills has spiked by 160% among non-technical professionals. Companies like JPMorgan Chase, Procter & Gamble, and AT&T are setting an example by investing in AI training and encouraging their employees to embrace AI. 🙌 

Today’s HR Reads for You 📚️ 

1. Pouring from an empty cup? The Mental Health Paradox of HR 🫗 

2. Most wanted: These 3 benefits are wanted by all generations in the workforce 🤔 

3. Your leave policy is NOT the problem: Your employees are afraid to take PTO, but a third are playing hooky from work anyway 😦 

2-Minute Watch: AI Insights Daily 🔍️ 

On Day 4 of our AI Insights Daily, we will talk about AI models -

• ✅ What is Machine Learning?

• ✅ What is Neural Networks?

• ✅ How do you train them?

Did you know? You can use trivia to celebrate employee milestones! 🎂 

How does it work?

• 💻️ Install Trivia in your workspace on Slack (try it for free)

• 🥳 Trivia's online bot collects birthday & work anniversary dates from employees

• 🎉 Milestones are announced in the public channel for everyone to get together and celebrate

That’s a wrap for today!

Got any additional feedback for me? Let me know! 👇️