AI in every workspace: Plan how it will impact internal comms

Around 75% of executives think AI will help their organization expand into more business sectors, and 85% think that AI will give them a competitive edge.

• Why it matters: To achieve those benefits though, leaders must not only plan and launch initiatives, but be able to communicate how they’ll do it all.

Axios HQ and Mixing Board convened 90+ of the nations top communication professions to hear what trends leaders will need to be prepared to address in 2024 — and AI was high on the list. Leaders will be called upon to speak to implementation, AI’s impact on job roles, and how AI will reshape day-to-day business. But when they do, they will face several challenges:

• Public plans for private data. Data — using and protecting it — is critical for trust. AI is a game changer for turning private data into usable intelligence. But leaders must find a safe way to do it.
• Ambitious but skeptical leaders. Individuals are both anxious and excited about AI’s capabilities. They’ll want to know how it will change business as usual, the impact on their role, and how it could change the future. 
• The need for guardrails. Every organization will need its own unique standards for incorporating AI. Can staff use it for work? Only for inspiration? Folks will need a full rundown of expectations. 

Whether you face all these obstacles or only some, leaders need a plan for what to speak on, where they can better inform employees, and how AI will impact the organization’s future.

Provide direction amidst AI uncertainty 

It may feel like AI burst onto the scene just this year, but what really happened was that ongoing advances broke into the mainstream. And the world finally took notice. Next year, it’s going to have even more of a pull. And leaders need a good internal communications strategy for addressing AI, the fears around it, and the impact it will have on the way employees work.

Your AI communications playbook:

• Guide team standards. Evaluate what people, teams, departments, and the organization as a whole needs in terms of AI advancement. Pick tools that keep everyone working toward company goals. 
• Set a strong example. Incorporate AI in the ways you draft, send, and streamline employee communications. Lead by example, and share what you’re learning.
• Initiate ongoing education. Open a dialogue with staff and stakeholders to keep a pulse on how AI is changing the way you work — and what resources or services will further amplify it.
• Always champion truth. AI is still prone to “hallucinations” and bias. Communicate the plans you have in place for human reviews and interventions, where appropriate.

The bottom line: It’s time to invest in AI, but when you do, have a communications strategy in place to keep everyone informed about progress, expectations, and implementation. Being open, honest, and transparent will go along way in easing fears and setting your employees up for onboarding success. 

Go deeper: See all eight topics leaders need to be prepared to address in 2024