Even with AI’s potential to transform organizations, AI implementation is often met with skepticism, … [+] resistance, and confusion among employees. (Photo by OLIVIER MORIN / AFP) (Photo by OLIVIER MORIN/AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty ImagesMuch has been debated about the value of AI— from AI fad to AI hype and more recently, mounting concerns about AI ethics. Yet, with all the furore, businesses across the world continue to use AI to improve operations, increase efficiency, and drive innovation.
It’s not all smiles for these businesses, though. Because even with AI’s potential to transform organizations, AI implementation is often met with skepticism, resistance, and confusion among employees. For many business leaders, building an AI strategy that aligns with organizational goals while empowering employees to embrace the change is challenging. Mesh AI’s report on the state of AI in the enterprise, which showed that only 15% of companies have a clearly defined AI strategy, is a reflection of this big enterprise problem.
But how can these leaders change that situation and get the best out of their AI strategies, with all employees on board?
The Growing Need for Employee-Centered AI Strategies
Boston Consulting Group noted in a recent report that 74% of companies who have adopted AI struggle to achieve and scale value. There are many factors fueling this reality, but a major one is the lack of a clear AI strategy. As Hyperight rightly notes, “without a solid strategy, businesses often found themselves investing in AI without seeing tangible results.”
However, even when an AI strategy is well defined, it’s bound to fail if employees don’t understand it. The gains that come with a solid AI strategy are only possible when employees believe they’re well-equipped to work alongside AI tools.
Natasha Porter, chief customer officer of Benchmark Gensuite, told me that “empowering employees through comprehensive AI literacy programs is the key to driving successful AI implementation. When employees understand AI’s potential and limitations, they’re more engaged and enthusiastic about leveraging it to enhance their work.”
The truth, really, is that AI is not just about technology — it’s about people. Building an effective AI strategy requires transparency, trust, and a clear roadmap for how AI will support rather than replace human effort.
As discussed by experts already driving AI strategies across their teams, here are four actionable steps to get the best out of your organization’s AI strategy.
1. Start with a Foundation of Transparency and Trust
Transparency is the cornerstone of successful AI adoption. Employees need to understand how AI tools function, how data is used, and what role they play in decision-making processes. Porter notes that “Employees should understand how their organization’s AI systems work, how decisions are made, and have opportunities to provide feedback and influence future improvements.”
Companies like Benchmark Gensuite show a great example of this with their “AI Champions program,” which fosters direct communication between employees and AI development teams. This approach ensures employees feel included in the process, reducing fear and building trust. Global economic expert Fernando Correa also echoed this sentiment: “Involving employees in AI deployment — whether through pilot testing or feedback loops — helps them feel more comfortable and invested in the technology.”
The message is clear: AI cannot be a black box. Open communication, explainable models, and opportunities for employee input create a culture where employees truly see AI as an ally and not a threat.
2. Invest in AI Literacy Programs to Empower Employees
One of the major barriers to AI adoption is the knowledge gap. In addition to this gap, employees often feel overwhelmed to get around AI tools. This is where AI literacy programs can bridge that gap, equipping teams with the skills and confidence to use AI effectively. As Correa noted, “AI literacy programs are pivotal in ensuring that employees understand how AI works, what its benefits are, and how it can complement their roles.”
Benchmark Gensuite’s “AI Everyday” program is one example of how businesses can embed AI education into their organizational culture. “AI Garage” by Advance HE is another example of such AI education initiatives that businesses who want to get the best value out of AI should prioritize. Porter noted that Benchmark Gensuite’s awareness campaigns, live training sessions, and gamified engagement like use-case contests, have helped the company achieve a staggering 90% usage rate of their custom GPT-based tools (built on Claude.ai), as well as Microsoft and GitHub Copilots.
Practical programs, like AI Everyday and AI Garage, help employees see AI not as a replacement for their roles but as a tool to amplify their capabilities. As Porter noted, “leaders should maintain consistent communication with employees, emphasizing that AI can expedite completion of up to 60-80% of tasks, freeing employees to focus on strategic and creative aspects of their work.”
3. Leverage Cross-Functional AI Task Forces
One of the most effective ways to align AI strategy with employee needs is by establishing cross-functional AI task forces. These teams, comprising representatives from various departments, ensure that AI initiatives align with broader business goals and address specific operational challenges.
“Our cross-functional leadership group is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive AI adoption plan,” Porter said. “This includes everything from product development and selection to employee training and change management.”
Cross-functional teams are particularly valuable for identifying potential AI roadblocks early on and helping technical and non-technical staff to collaborate better.
4. Address Distrust and Fear Head-On
Distrust in AI often stems from concerns about job displacement, opaque decision-making, or ethical risks. To overcome these challenges, businesses should consider doing the following:
Reframe AI as a Collaborative Tool: Emphasize that AI is designed to augment human effort, not replace it. “Highlighting AI’s role as a productivity enhancer helps mitigate fears of job loss,” Correa said.
Ensure Ethical AI Practices: Establish clear guidelines for data privacy, algorithmic fairness, and ethical usage. Regular audits and reviews demonstrate an organization’s commitment to responsible AI deployment.
Maintain Consistent Communication: There’s no way around this. If you want to build trust in AI among your employees, you must ensure regular updates on AI initiatives, success stories, as well as challenges.
Shaping the Future of Work
Building an AI strategy that works for employees is more about ensuring a culture of trust in your workforce. The World Economic Forum’s report about the distrust that comes from new technology highlights the reason why businesses must prioritize this.
As organizations deepen their investments in AI, they need to ask critical questions about personalization. Are these new AI tools tailored to individual roles? AI tools that are more personalized, intuitive, and easy to use will get adopted faster. For example, tools like Microsoft’s Copilot are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing workflows, making AI more accessible for non-technical employees.
On the employee growth front, organizations must be sure that the AI tools they introduce to their employees will bolster employee growth, rather than impede it.
Lastly, do these tools facilitate collaboration? The most useful AI tools out there often prioritize collaboration, enabling employees to work alongside AI in real-time. From co-authoring documents to generating data-driven insights, these systems must enhance teamwork and innovation.
Porter sums it up best: “AI has the ability to improve efficiency, support better decision-making, and deliver cost savings by automating repetitive tasks. When employees embrace AI, they’re not just adapting to change — they’re shaping the future of work.”
As AI continues to evolve, organizations that focus on their people will be best positioned to thrive in the age of intelligent technology.
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