Few managers or employees say they feel prepared with AI skills at work, but a new report offers tips to help them navigate the transition.
AI in Education

As workers seek guidance on AI use, employers value skilled graduates


Few managers or employees say they feel prepared to utilize AI at work, but a new report offers tips to help them navigate the transition

Key points:

Managers and employees are struggling to understand how and when to integrate generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology into their work and seek training, and a better understanding of organizational expectations and strategy, to help them use AI in their jobs.

Nearly all employees (96 percent) who responded to a new Wiley survey say they are experiencing some degree of stress about change at work, with 40 percent saying they are struggling to understand how to integrate AI into their work, and nearly twice that number (75 percent) saying they lack confidence in AI use. That’s according to the latest Wiley Workplace Intelligence report, “The Human Side of Artificial Intelligence: 3 Tips for Navigating the AI Era.”

The survey underscores recent headlines pointing to the need for AI skills in workforce success, with many observing that higher-ed institutions should equip graduates with AI knowledge if they hope to be competitive in the workplace.

And their bosses appear to agree, as only around one-third (34 percent) of the people managers surveyed say they feel equipped to support AI integration.

Employees say the best ways for them to feel more comfortable integrating AI would be if their company provided training on ways to accomplish it (61 percent), a clear understanding of organizational strategy (54 percent), and clear expectations around the usage of AI (48 percent).

“At a time of such upheaval, it’s important for companies to provide employees–particularly managers–with information to help them understand what is happening and how best to deal with it,” said Wiley researcher Dr. Tracey Carney, who headed the study. “Effective change management includes both implementing the tools themselves and helping employees cope with the big transitions they are facing.”

While most respondents (80 percent) feel their manager is supportive of their efforts to integrate AI into their workflows, just 60 percent think their manager is knowledgeable about how to effectively accomplish this integration. As organizations push forward with AI initiatives, bridging the gap between support and proficiency can help ensure a successful transition.

Having experience with ChatGPT and building AI skills could have more value to employers than a college degree, said nearly half of business owners (49 percent) in a report from Intelligent.com.

Half of graduates (46 percent) feel threatened by AI and question their workforce readiness (52 percent), according to Cengage Group’s 2023 Employability Report.

A new commission comprising policymakers, education leaders, business leaders, and education stakeholders from 16 states is tackling AI’s role in education from kindergarten through postsecondary programs, focusing on AI skill readiness and policy development. The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Commission on Artificial Intelligence in Education will review research and industry data and hear from education experts as it develops recommendations for southern states around using AI in teaching and learning, developing AI-related policies, and preparing students for careers in AI.

Three tips to navigate the AI transition

Wiley’s report provides three tips for navigating technological change and effectively managing the transition to AI:

  • Provide employees with clear use cases: Organizations should strive to clearly define how AI can be applied within their specific teams and roles, and what specific tools can be leveraged.
  • Enhance transparency and communication: It is crucial for organizations to maintain transparent communication about the AI implementation process.
  • Invest in manager training: Empowering managers with the skills and knowledge needed to guide their teams through AI adoption will bolster their ability to address concerns and can foster a more supportive and effective transition for employees.

Material from a press release was used in this report.

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Laura Ascione
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