While AI drives innovation, soft skills are equally critical for ethical, compliant and successful implementation. Tommy Richardson explains the need for a balanced approach to AI training
Artificial intelligence is revolutionising the way businesses operate. It’s streamlining operations, improving customer interactions, and even providing insights that anticipate market shifts. Amid the technology-driven advancements, however, there’s an often-overlooked element that’s equally critical to business success – soft skills.
Employers are seeking teams that can effectively harness AI capabilities while navigating ethical nuances and sensitivities
Traditionally, soft skills encompass traits like empathy, communication, teamwork and problem-solving, which are indispensable in fostering a collaborative work environment and effective leadership. With AI’s emergence, though, the definition of soft skills has expanded to include a new range of unconventional abilities, such as understanding and adhering to AI guidelines on ethics, compliance and security.
The intersection of soft skills and AI has given rise to the concept of AI literacy, which combines a deep technical understanding of the tool with a careful ethical application of the technology for a well-rounded approach.
Employers are seeking teams that can effectively harness AI capabilities, while navigating the ethical nuances and sensitivities surrounding its deployment, ensuring responsible and informed use. Armed with this knowledge, employees are increasingly open to training opportunities that enhance their skills to align with the evolving landscape.
The importance of well-rounded AI training
Training in AI isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Employees are proactively seeking AI-oriented learning experiences, as evidenced by a recent Hyland survey, in which 47% of respondents said training on AI-related soft skills is important to them. Companies that fail to offer such training risk falling behind.
The most proactive employees are already taking the initiative to develop AI skills through self-directed training. To maintain a competitive edge, businesses should prioritise access to AI education and development programmes that will foster a workforce equipped to drive innovation and growth in the digital age.
Employers who neglect AI soft skills training jeopardise their success in multiple ways. By failing to invest in training, they miss out on attracting top talent who value progressive and future-oriented work environments, and they also expose themselves to significant risks.
Employees without AI training can become a liability, potentially leading to reputational, regulatory and legal issues due to irresponsible usage of the technology. Microsoft learnt this lesson when an engineer’s red flags about the company’s AI-fuelled Copilot Designer app were not heeded, and the product remained on the market. The team’s rejection of the engineer’s concerns led to the FTC’s intervention to deal with Copilot Designer’s illicit content creation and copyright guideline violations. AI soft skills training can help employers mitigate risks like these and create an atmosphere of open communication regarding safety and best practice.
The successful implementation of AI training programmes requires a thoughtful and deliberate approach. Employers must carefully consider the programme’s scope, coverage and methodology to ensure it comprehensively addresses key topics and assesses employees’ genuine understanding of AI’s capabilities, limitations and ethical implications.
Soft skills to ensure thoughtful implementation of AI
Businesses developing initial AI soft skills training programmes must establish a solid foundation by covering essential topics. This base should cover three critical components – AI ethics, compliance and responsible usage – and can be expanded to align with a business’s additional needs and capabilities. Employees and their employers can confidently implement AI solutions and avoid common pitfalls with a strong grasp of these fundamentals:
- AI ethics
Understanding AI ethics is paramount. It involves grappling with questions of fairness, transparency and accountability. Employees can be trained to recognise and mitigate biases in AI, ensuring that the technology is used objectively and fairly. - Compliance
Compliance training helps employees understand the legal ramifications of AI use. This includes data privacy laws, industry-specific regulations, and organisational policies. Proper compliance assists the company in avoiding legal challenges and maintaining its reputation. - Proper usage
Proper usage training equips employees with the knowledge to leverage AI tools effectively. This includes understanding AI’s limitations, recognising when human intervention is necessary, and maintaining a balance between automation and human touch.
Future-proofing a business necessitates AI training
Although AI and soft skills may seem like unlikely partners at first glance, the conventional wisdom is rapidly shifting. And it must. With a staggering 29.5% of work hours potentially automatable by 2030, according to McKinsey Global Institute, the train of technological advancement is unstoppable. Companies that get on board with the necessary training to navigate this seismic shift can avoid being left behind.
Investing in learning and development programmes is beneficial and essential for AI implementation. These programmes play a key role in business success, bridging the gap between technology and human touch, and ensuring a balanced, ethical and effective approach to AI usage. Prioritising soft skills training in AI can enhance a workforce’s capabilities and safeguard a company’s future in an AI-driven world.
Tommy Richardson is Chief Product and Technology Officer at Litmos
