The 2023 Skills Index report from BTG revealed striking data about the demand for artificial intelligence (AI) skills in today's workplace. Data science, AI, and machine learning are highly sought-after, with a demand increase of over 100% compared to previous years. This trend is expected to continue as AI tools, including chat GPT, become more prevalent following the market emergence of chat GPT in November 2022. Despite this high demand, about 71% of employers still struggle due to a lack of internal expertise in effectively utilizing AI, especially generative AI, in non-technical workflows.
The report identifies several core challenges, including uncertainty about AI regulations, limited understanding among senior leadership, concerns about data protection and security, competing priorities, and a lack of clarity on optimal applications of AI. This presents a significant obstacle to AI integration and may hinder the World Economic Forum's forecast of generative AI boosting the economy by up to 14.4 trillion.
To address this knowledge gap, several steps can be taken:
1. Develop AI Awareness: Key internal stakeholders and business partners need to undergo training to understand AI's capabilities and its potential to enhance decision-making, forecasting, and everyday workflows.
2. Engage AI Consultants: Employers can seek support from external AI consultants who are experts in AI ethics, regulations, and data protection. These consultants can advise on seamless AI integration without compromising data integrity and trust.
3. Implement AI Change Management and Focus Groups: Hiring an AI change management overseer or forming AI focus groups can facilitate the gradual rollout of AI tools department by department. Piloting projects and gathering user feedback will help determine the most effective AI tools for the organization's objectives.
4. Provide Comprehensive Training: Offer extensive AI deployment training at all organizational levels, from senior leadership to entry-level employees, including ethical guidelines. This will dispel misconceptions and concerns about using AI.
It's crucial for employers to prioritize the adoption and integration of AI. Persistence, experimentation, and training can make generative AI the new standard in the workplace, freeing up employees for more creative endeavors and potentially leading to improved work-life balance, possibly even resulting in a long-awaited four-day workweek.