A recent survey revealed a startling gap in AI knowledge among business leaders in the U.S. and U.K. Nearly 60% of vice presidents and directors admitted they’ve never attended any artificial intelligence (AI) training or courses, according to a December 10 report by General Assembly.
Furthermore, only 42% expressed confidence in using AI tools without jeopardizing company data, while 27% felt unsure or lacked confidence altogether. More than two-thirds of respondents also admitted they lack the knowledge to make informed decisions when hiring AI vendors.
“Company leaders need to upskill for the AI era, too,” said Daniele Grassi, CEO of General Assembly.
Upskilling Leaders for the AI Era
Both technical and non-technical leaders must understand the legal, privacy, and ethical implications of AI use, Grassi explained. It’s crucial for them to learn how to assess AI vendors, safeguard company data, and guide their teams on how to effectively integrate AI tools into their work. Businesses that fail to establish AI usage policies and neglect to upskill their executives on AI risk severe consequences, from data breaches to falling behind competitors.
A survey conducted by General Assembly in October found that 46% of leaders said their companies don’t have an AI usage policy in place. Additionally, 79% of respondents believed that AI could replace some of their employees within the next decade, with 26% even acknowledging that AI could replace their own roles. In contrast, only 24% of baby boomers shared this concern, while 62% of Generation Z workers feared AI could replace them.
Training Employees to Use AI
Although 54% of business leaders said they encourage their teams to adopt AI, the lack of training or understanding remains a barrier to its widespread use. According to the survey, only 47% of teams actively use AI regularly, and just 16% of companies offer AI training to employees.
To prepare for the AI-driven future, businesses must invest in upskilling their employees. The Adecco Group’s report highlights that while 75% of workers using AI-based tools report increased productivity, only 25% of employees overall have received any training related to AI at work.
Leaders should provide opportunities for employees to experiment with AI tools, even before they’re fully integrated into the business. By dedicating time for employees to explore AI solutions, companies can build familiarity with the technology and identify innovative ways to incorporate AI into their workflows.
How Tecbeans Helps Businesses Prepare for the AI Future
To ensure your business remains competitive in an AI-driven world, it’s essential to upskill both your leaders and employees. Tecbeans offers tailored training solutions to equip your team with the AI skills they need to succeed. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, Tecbeans helps companies navigate the evolving AI landscape while securing data and protecting their competitive edge.
If your company is ready to embrace the AI era, it’s time to prioritize upskilling and equip your leaders and teams with the right tools to thrive. Reach out to Tecbeans to learn more about how we can help your business succeed in the AI-driven future.
