AI is more prevalent than ever in the workplace. According to Gartner’s “Hype Cycle,” AI is navigating its way through the “Trough of Disillusionment” with gradual progression toward the “Slope of Enlightenment” as organizations refine their strategies to realize AI’s full potential.
Larry Mohl, founder and Chief Experience Officer of Rali, and Dr. Beverly Kaye, founder and CEO of Bev Kaye & Co., recently hosted a community webinar discussing AI’s impact on employee engagement. Below, we break down their best practices for managing employee engagement as AI integrates itself in the workplace.
Exploring Employee Attitudes Toward AI
The Benefits
Bolstering employee engagement should always be top of mind for change managers. When new technologies and tools are introduced to the workplace, it is essential to understand your team’s feelings toward change and devise best practices to support your employees. A survey of webinar attendees showed that the majority expressed an overall positive feeling toward AI, stating they use it most for employee development purposes. From enhancing workplace efficiency and productivity to supporting automation and mitigating repetitive tasks, employees recognize the benefits of AI and acknowledge how it can help improve the workplace.
The Concerns
Though feelings were positive, many employees have concerns about AI. These include privacy and security , misinformation and inaccuracies, job security and loss, reduced human connection, and overreliance. In today’s workforce, many employees fall into the “great stay” category, where they choose to stay at their job longer, making engagement even more important. However, new technology like AI can cause feelings of displacement and stress. Not only are people learning how to use AI solutions and understand where they fit within their role, but also debating if their roles will one day be replaced by AI.
Additionally, AI is changing the way we research and write. Our survey showed that more professionals are turning to AI for answers and insights rather than consulting with industry experts. This poses concerns for teams as they grapple with the possibility that their jobs could be at risk and that they may not be receiving the most accurate information. How can change managers navigate employee AI concerns while also managing and encouraging engagement in an AI-powered workforce?
Taking a “Love ‘Em” Approach to Employee Engagement
Engagement has four components: Relationships, Growth, Culture and Success Drivers. By building collaborative and trusting relationships, supporting learning and growth, creating a positive work culture and executing and owning success drivers, leaders can use a “Love ‘Em or Lose ‘Em” framework to manage engagement as AI use increases.
As AI transforms job roles, managers should consider taking a human-centered approach to employee retention and career development. To address these challenges, Larry and Bev provided best practices for managers using a “Love ‘Em” approach.
Encourage Open Conversations About AI’s Impact
The Love ‘Em or Lose ‘Em framework empowers managers to initiate candid discussions about AI’s influence on job roles. Managers can consider using stay interviews to ask employees about their concerns, interests and career aspirations in the face of automation.
Guide Managers to Support Upskilling and Reskilling
Managers should connect employees with learning opportunities, internal mobility and stretch assignments to encourage personalized career pathing. This practice helps ensure employees see a future within the company despite any AI-driven changes.
Foster a Growth Mindset and Adaptability
Managers who reinforce a culture where continuous learning is valued and expected can also help encourage employees to take ownership of their development by identifying the skills they need for evolving roles.
Strengthen Human Skills That AI Can’t Replace
While AI can assist with task automation, human skills like emotional intelligence, critical thinking and collaboration remain essential to the workforce. The Love ‘Em or Lose ‘Em framework helps managers nurture these skills within their teams.
Take the First Step with Rali
Rali understands the concerns that AI technology can pose for employees. To help manage engagement and affirm employee value, consider taking our Love ‘Em or Lose ‘Em partner journey with Bev Kaye.
Ready to bolster engagement for your employees? Learn more today.
