Arguably, the biggest risk to successful AI integration is your employees.
Generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) is getting more airtime than ever, but when it comes to business implementation for better productivity and efficiency, there’s a high dose of employee scepticism.
In a 2024 global study by Ipsos, Australia was deemed the country most nervous about AI. This apprehension stems from the fear that generative AI will jeopardise jobs and take over the tasks humans currently do.
Our thought leadership report explores the people side of AI transformation, and how to help employees feel empowered by the technology so they, and the organisation, can make the most of its benefits.
Creating a people-centric AI strategy
AI can turbocharge business productivity by automating tedious tasks, driving smart decisions, and sparking innovation. But people need to be on board for organisations to truly see the benefits.
Research shows that high-trust organisations excel in digital success, yet many employees feel left out of AI conversations and worry about issues like being under surveillance. By involving everyone in the AI journey and clearly explaining its benefits, businesses can build trust and make sure AI implementations are embraced.
People and AI: report highlights
- Global surge in AI adoption: usage of AI nearly doubled in the six months leading to May 2024
- High apprehension in Australia: 69% of surveyed Australians expressed concerns about AI-powered products and services
- Employee scepticism: the biggest AI adoption threat is employee scepticism, mistrust, or fear of job loss
- Exclusion hinders take-up: many employees feel excluded from AI-related discussions, leading to uncertainty about their interests being considered
- Trust is important: high-trust organisations are more successful in digital transitions
- Engagement benefits: employee engagement in AI discussions fosters connections, capability building and a sense of belonging
- Training success story: find out how we motivated our people to use the KPMG Eclipse AI Academy
Five strategies for embracing AI
It’s possible to build an environment where change is welcomed, and people are motivated and excited about the possibilities offered by AI and new technologies. Here are five actions to put in place:
Be clear on the why
When leaders and employees understand the purpose of AI, they can better envision their future roles. Recognising that AI helps enhance job performance rather than replace jobs, is motivating – most people strive to excel, and AI can help them get there.
Develop widespread training
Our research shows that trusted and respected employees achieve better results, as motivation comes from agency, connection, and competence. Training encourages discussions that foster social connections and decision-making for improved experimentation.
Encourage people to play
At KPMG, we successfully fostered enthusiasm and innovation by creating KymChat, a safe space for hands-on gen AI experimentation, resulting in nearly full participation and the development of exciting new applications.
Make it tangible
Realising AI’s full value means helping employees understand its practical benefits. Our Workforce AI approach identifies tasks that can be automated, calculates savings, and shows how roles can be reorganised for higher productivity.
Reward engagement
Realign your performance management system to reward innovation, quality of work, and effective AI use. Also ensure recognition and incentives match your organisation’s goals.
AI for the workplace: how we can help
KPMG Australia is the first firm globally to be certified, by the British Standards Institute, in the new AI Standard (ISO 42001) for AI Management Systems. We offer unmatched support for organisations implementing AI, particularly in people engagement.
We guide clients in identifying impactful AI use cases, implementing technology, and effecting necessary organisational changes. KPMG accelerates behavioural change and technology adoption, helping you quickly realise AI investment benefits. Our change management strategists facilitate use-case adoption and foster a generative AI cultural movement, equipping leaders and engaging employees as committed partners in your AI journey.