Gemini and the Workplace: Overcoming Resistance and Driving Change
If we weren't sure AI was going to be the future of the workplace already, Google's latest announcement that Gemini will be embedded in all Workspace subscriptions really has echoed just that. (Want to know more? Read our update here!)
You've undoubtedly heard about the transformative potential of AI within your organisation. But have you truly considered how to embrace this technology effectively?
As self-proclaimed fans of Gemini, we must admit we've done a lot of trialling, deep diving and, of course, asking it to write the odd email here and there, but what's more, we've had the chance to uncover how and where AI is most beneficial to a range of organisations.
In this blog, we'll look at AI from a different angle, diving into how it might work for you, the changes your organisation may face in the process, and, more importantly, how to create an organisation that embraces AI rather than resists the change.
Understanding how AI works for you
Depending on your organisation, AI will support your day-to-day operations in very different ways. From helping marketing agencies write briefs to enabling customer support teams to respond to queries more quickly. From our experiences with Gemini, the key to successfully adopting AI is defining what success actually looks like for you before beginning your journey.
Are you aiming to streamline a specific workflow, such as customer onboarding? Or perhaps enhance team efficiency by utilising tools like 'Help Me Write' for drafting emails? Establishing these clear objectives will guide your AI implementation and prevent the chaotic and potentially unproductive scenario of everyone using AI in a multitude of ways that may not align with your organisational goals.
The Change in Change (Management)
There's no denying that AI is revolutionising how we work. Recent advancements in Large Language Models have, without a doubt, enabled a significant change to the way we are working compared to that of even just 2 or 3 years ago.
However, with change comes resistance; people are used to working in their ways with the tools they're used to. So, how do we overcome resistance?
Well, for us, this comes down to the process of adoption.
Let's take a look at Change Management. Every organisation will more than likely have some form of process for training or upskilling new and existing colleagues. Much like our own Change Management team here at Netpremacy, our focus is on improving employee engagement with the tools they have, for example, Google Workspace (of course!). In turn, employee engagement leads to efficiency, empowering colleagues with the knowledge to make the tools work for them to benefit their working day. However, with the introduction of AI tools such as Gemini becoming a feature of everyday life, there is a natural shift in Change Management, with more of a focus on educating employees to streamline processes and how to use tools to boost efficiency.
Overcoming Resistance for Successful AI Adoption
While change is exciting, especially for those who work within tech, for many, changes can be seen as daunting, unnecessary or simply inconvenient. It's the organisation's job to facilitate change positively, and AI adoption is no exception. With AI getting a lot of airtime in the news, it is a particularly sensitive topic to navigate, with many concerned about its 'powers', whether they are fact or fiction; so what steps can be taken to overcome this resistance?
1. Emphasise Upskilling and Reskilling:
Focus on Augmentation, Not Replacement: Clearly communicate that AI is meant to augment human capabilities, not replace jobs.
Invest in Training: Provide comprehensive training programs to equip employees with the skills to effectively use AI tools. This includes hands-on experience, workshops, and on-going access to support and update resources.
Highlight New Opportunities: Emphasise how AI can create new roles and career paths within the organisation, such as AI specialists, data analysts, and AI ethics officers.
2. Foster Transparency and Open Communication:
Be Honest About AI's Role: Communicate the organisation's AI strategy and how it will impact different roles and departments.
Address Concerns Directly: Actively listen to employee concerns and address them openly and honestly.
Create a Culture of Dialogue: Encourage open discussions about AI, its potential benefits, and its ethical implications.
3. Demonstrate the Value of AI:
Consider Starting with Small, Successful Pilots: Begin with a group of ‘early adopters’ in small-scale AI implementations in areas where the benefits are clear and easily measurable.
Celebrate Early Wins: Highlight successful AI projects and their positive impact on productivity, efficiency, and employee satisfaction.
Involve Employees in the Process: Allow employees to participate in the selection and implementation of AI tools, giving them a sense of ownership and control.
AI is an exciting advancement in the world and workplace, but planning and adoption are more critical than ever. Take time to decipher how and where AI will benefit your organisation. Once you've established this, the second part of the puzzle is empowering colleagues to adopt the tools themselves to drive success.
So whether you’re organisation is hesitant to dip its toes into AI or looking to dive right in, here at Netpremacy, we have worked with a number of organisations to establish the best path of adoption., Our Gemini experts are giving businesses a more detailed overview of what Gemini can do, providing training to the employees to really harness the power of AI.
To find out more, contact us.
