Imagine walking into a room where a momentous decision has been made about your future, yet somehow you were never informed.
This is the reality for many employees as artificial intelligence (AI) permeates our world. According to Gallup’s latest survey, an overwhelming 93% of Fortune 500 CHROs acknowledge their organizations are integrating AI into business practices. Yet, how many employees are in the loop? Shockingly, only one-third of employees report being aware of AI integration in their workplace.
Why does this disconnect exist? As we stand on the cusp of significant transformations and expect our workforce to adapt by acquiring new AI-related skills— shouldn’t we be communicating these changes more effectively?
The answer seems obvious, but the execution is often lacking. Establishing a good communication strategy for AI within organizations is not just crucial – it is imperative.
Understanding the Disconnect
It’s easy to assume that employees will naturally adapt to AI changes within an organization.
But let’s be honest, how successful are your change initiatives when your employees feel like those changes are being imposed on them versus when they feel like they are part of the conversation?
Gartner research shows that while 74% of leaders claim to involve employees in devising change strategies, only 42% of employees believe they were included.
Without proper communication, misconceptions and fears can breed, potentially hindering the very innovation AI promises and affecting employee morale. A Korn Ferry survey highlights this, revealing that 44% of company leaders emphasize the need for employees to develop new skills for an AI-driven business environment. Such a transformational upskilling effort would be significant. Yet, how do we plan to convey this to our teams if we’re not even communicating about existing AI integration efforts we have today?
Why Having an Effective Communications Strategy Matters
Effective communication builds trust. When employees understand how AI will impact their roles, they are more likely to engage and collaborate on successful implementation.
However, trust issues around AI persist, perhaps due to our leaders’ inability to effectively and honestly communicate about it. In fact, according to the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer: Insights for Tech report, AI stands at a critical juncture. Globally, only 30% of respondents embrace this innovation, while 35% are opposed to it.
For you as a leader, your communication objectives shouldn’t just be about dispelling fears – it should be about fostering enthusiasm and buy-in. How can you bridge this communication gap?
Strategies for Effective AI Communication
First, transparency is key. Your team, as your main target audience, deserves to know not just the ‘what’ but also the ‘why’ and ‘how.’ Think inspiration, not education. It’s not enough to tell people what to do with AI —they need to understand why it matters: to them personally, to the organization and even to society as a whole. As part of your internal communications strategy, engage them in conversations about potential changes and the reasoning behind adopting AI technologies.
Second, personalize your communications plan. Your key messages should be targeted and tailored to different key stakeholders in your organization, delivered in convenient ways that fit the flow of their everyday routines through different communication channels. A one-size-fits-all approach will not resonate with anyone since each employee’s perspective and understanding of AI will differ, and AI may not impact everyone’s role in the same way.
Third, speak to what matters. Employees want to know how AI will impact their jobs, career paths and potential for growth. Talk about your employees’ aspirations, hopes, fears and uncertainties as it relates to AI. Knowing how they fit into the bigger picture can be a powerful motivator in adopting this technology.
Lastly, create dialogue, not monologues. Encourage feedback and questions from your target audiences – your employees. Peer-to-peer and bottom-up dialogue should be key elements of your communication plan, fostering true engagement by co-creating the future rather than just answering questions about decisions after they’re made. A two-way communication channel nurtures a culture of inclusion and adaptability, crucial in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
Moving Forward
No one likes to feel left out. By enhancing your communication strategies around AI, you not only prepare your workforce for change but also position your organization as a leader in innovation. In today’s environment, having a successful communication strategy is not just a practice—it’s a business strategy.