How do we become GenAI fluent? And why is that important?
Half of all workers will be working with generative AI (GenAI). And new legislation provides strict frameworks for its responsible use. So, in the coming years, companies and governments face a major challenge: how do we integrate the new technology into the way we work and bring employees' GenAI fluency up to par?
The various forms of artificial intelligence (AI) are major drivers in the changes the world of work and technology is experiencing. Globally, half of all jobs are expected to be affected by this new technology. Yet 41% of organisations have little or no preparation for it, and only 13% of all employees say they have received any AI-related training.
AI is the mimicking of human skills with a computer system. Generative AI is a specific form of AI that can generate text, images, videos, computer code or other data, usually in response to typed commands (prompts).
In addition, on August 1, 2024, the Artificial Intelligence Act came into force to create common rules and a legal framework for the application of AI in Europe. This new law affects not only providers of artificial intelligence systems but also all organisations using it professionally. Being an employer and managing human resources are two of the areas classified as high-risk in this regard. Violations of the new rules could result in penalties of up to tens of millions of euros.
Important premise: every application is going to be used by people.
Technology remains human
Clearly, the urgency to work with GenAI in a structured and secure way is great. Professional organisations are facing a profound transformation. The question is: how do we develop the skills to use this new technology? An important starting point is that any application is going to be used by people. In whatever form it takes, technology remains human.
Organisations entering this transition need an effective strategy. This strategy can describe their needs based on several dimensions: creating leadership support, identifying stakeholders and changes, communicating with stakeholders, training employees, and finally evaluating and improving.
Each target audience deserves customised material.
GenAI fluency for every target group
For organisations looking to bring GenAI skills up to par with such a strategy, Deloitte has developed a turnkey approach with a nine-month lead time. The main target groups are executives, experts, support staff and generalists. The approach serves each of these target groups with a customised learning pathway, supported with communication tailored to their specific needs. The approach has four phases:
1) Analysis and design
2) Launch and activation
3) Embedding and monitoring
4) Scaling up and improving.
Phase 1 maps the effects of GenAI on the workforce using the Workforce Impact Analyzer and the description of personas. These provide the data-based insights needed to prioritise and develop learning formats. From e-learning modules and whiteboard animations to instructional videos and podcasts, each target audience deserves customised material. Communication, monitoring and reporting are also part of this phase.
Activate, inform and deepen
In phase 2, the actual learning pathway begins. For example, a typical route for leadership might include podcasts, a master class and peer review. Phase 3 focuses on the experts and supporters. Experts can expect multiple deep-dive sessions after an activation event, followed by a GenAI hackathon and trade news. Supporters will also receive tailored information to ensure they can best facilitate the transition and embrace of GenAI. In this, there is room for deepening their role, for instance, to explain the technology or pay extra attention to its ethical use. The fourth and final phase develops the necessary GenAI skills among generalists and other staff.
Complying with new legislation
Organisations that develop their GenAI skills in this way can build support, knowledge and adoption among all target groups within a nine-month time frame. The strategic and trustworthy approach makes the organisation more future-proof and it structurally strengthens its competitive advantage. Also, approaching the transition in this way will enable you to comply with current and future legislation.
* For more information about our GenAI fluency proposition you can get in touch with our experts Naser Bakhshi and/or Robert van Barlingen.
