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The 2023 Skills Index report from BTG (Business Talent Group) unearthed some striking data about artificial intelligence and its integration in today's workplace. Data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning remain in-demand skills, with data science and machine learning at 100%+ demand compared to previous years. And this is anticipated to be the case for at least the next few years as AI tools continue to roll out following the emergence of chat GPT in the market in November 2022.

However, while demand is at an all-time high, one year on from ChatGPT's launch, approximately 71% of employers are still facing challenges due to lacking the internal expertise on how to effectively use artificial intelligence, and specifically generative AI, as part of their non-technical workflow.

Some of the core challenges highlighted by the report include lack of clarity as to AI regulations, little understanding amongst senior leadership teams, concerns related to data protection and security, being too busy with other important matters, and finally lack of understanding as to where it can be best applied. This poses a significant challenge as relates to AI integration, and means that the World Economic Forum's predictions of generative AI boosting the economy by up to 14.4 trillion may be retarded in progress due to limited knowledge.

So what can be done to resolve this internal knowledge gap?

The very first step to take is for key internal stakeholders and business partners to develop awareness of AI and its capabilities through undertaking training, and how it can improve decision-making, forecasting, analysis, and everyday workflows. With this knowledge, leaders can be empowered to make the right choices for their organizations.

Another simple solution would be for employers to call in external AI consultants who are verified subject matter experts within this domain, and whose expertise relates specifically to AI ethics and regulations, and data protection and security. These consultants could work in collaboration with employers to advise them on how to integrate AI into their work without compromising data or trust.

Another longer term approach which might be more suitable for some employers would be too hire someone to oversee AI change management, or to have an AI focus group. Although the concept is relatively new, this type of change management may prove to be highly effective in rolling out artificial intelligence usage, department by department, until everyone is using AI tools to boost their productivity.

You might want to consider running pilot projects to test user experience and acceptance before rolling out across the entire company, and collate this feedback to assess what tools are best for you and your organisation's objectives. Once you have done this, you can work on scaling gradually and gathering feedback for each user group.

Another important step would be to provide extensive training to employees at all levels, from senior leadership down to middle managers and entry level, on how to deploy AI, and to establish ethical guidelines on what its capabilities are. This will help to remove any misconceptions or worries surrounding using this technology.

Adopting and integrating AI should be a top priority for employers. If it's not yours right now, it will be when your competitors gain the upper hand and steal your talent and your customers. Through persistence, experimentation, and training, generative AI can be the new normal of work life, freeing up employees to more creative endeavors and enabling improved mental health and wellbeing through reduced work.

Who knows, this might result in the long-awaited four day work week?

As the 23-year-old Founder and CEO of Rachel Wells Coaching, I am dedicated to unlocking career and leadership potential for Gen Z and millennial professionals. I am a corporate career coach with over 8 years of experience. My clients range from professionals at graduate to senior executive level, in both the public and private sectors. I have coached clients in more than seven countries globally and counting, and I've also directed teams and operations in my previous roles as public sector contract manager, to deliver large-scale national educational, career development, and work-readiness programs across the UK. I am a LinkedIn Top Voice in Career Counseling, and LinkedIn Top Voice in Employee Training, and am a former contributor to the International Business Times. As an engaging motivational speaker, my passion is in delivering motivational talks, leadership and career skills masterclasses, corporate training, and workshops at events and in universities. I currently reside with my family in London, UK.

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71% Of Employers May Be Left Behind In The Generative AI Race - Forbes