The advent of AI and automation is changing the face of industries worldwide, and India is no exception. Hence, it is essential to have employees prepared for these transformative technologies, as the country is poised to become a global digital superpower. For organizations, this phase calls for strategic planning, including training and more proactive worker reskilling.
Reports suggest that 47% of Indian executives believe AI processes can benefit their career growth (LinkedIn, 2023). This article provides an elaborate step-by-step method for preparing your staff to be successful in such a changed world.
Why Preparation for AI and Automation Matters?
These advancements in AI and automation are reshaping industries by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and productivity. By proactively preparing for these changes, individuals and organizations can stay ahead of the curve, ensuring they can utilize AI and automation to drive innovation and competitive advantage.
Industry Disruption: AI and automation are creating new opportunities that require critical thinking and creativity backed by technical expertise. This is already evident in the manufacturing, IT, and finance sectors.
Bridging the Skills Gap: AI is taking center stage at a faster pace. Core leadership and C-suite executives agree that their workforce should upskill in AI to bridge the skills gap and remain competitive in an increasingly AI-driven market.
Reskilling is the way forward to embrace this technology shift and add value to organizational goals.
Action Plan: Preparing Workforce Action Plan
A well-planned AI and automation employee training plan is the key to making the current workforce future-ready. The following five-step workforce action plan can help:
Determining Skill Gaps and Readiness of the Workforce
First, a thorough skill audit can help determine the current competencies of the employees vis-à-vis the requirements of AI and automation. Here are some effective ways to attain the best from this process.
Diagnostic Tools: Use tools to evaluate technical skills, problem-solving skills, and adaptability.
Experts: Leverage the expertise of firms like NASSCOM to benchmark the skill requirements and strategize accordingly.
Design Customized Training Programs
Once skill gaps are identified, tailored training initiatives can focus on technical and soft skills. Here’s how employers can implement technical upskilling and soft skills programs at this stage:
Technical Upskilling: Organizations can offer programs and short-term certifications in AI, machine learning, data analytics, and coding. Many organizations in India are leading this effort through their in-house platforms to upskill and reskill their employees.
Soft Skills Development: Apart from technical expertise, employees must demonstrate essential soft skills to succeed in an AI-driven landscape. For example, skills like problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork are critical for innovating and collaboration.
E-learning platforms provide scalable solutions for employee training. Organizations can use resources such as NASSCOM FutureSkills to deliver high-quality content at scale. Here are some relevant tips to get the best from digital learning platforms:
Gamified Learning Experiences: Interactive learning modules can be added to keep the employees engaged.
Multilingual Content: Digital learning through localized mediums can prove helpful in catering to India's diversified workforce.
On-the-Job Training
Hands-on experience is essential to reinforce theoretical knowledge. Organizations can go for:
AI-driven Pilot Projects: These projects help create real-time scenarios where employees put new skills into practice.
Mentorship Programs: Industry-lead mentorship programs can be implemented for specialized guidance to employees.
Creating a Learning-Centric Workplace Culture
A learning-oriented workplace culture will ensure that the workforce remains future-ready. Creating a learning-centric workplace culture is the key to success here. Let us know how:
Certification Courses: Companies can introduce in-house AI and automation certification courses for their employees. This will help in upskilling and create a culture of continuous improvement.
Acknowledgment: Rewarding reskilling attempts can encourage more employees to take part in employee learning programs. This drives engagement while maintaining productivity as employees become more well-versed with different tools.
Breaking Through the Obstacles to Implementation
Employees must be prepared to work with AI and automation and break through the obstacles to implementation. Here’s how:
Resistance to Change
The employees will be wary of becoming redundant or needing help to cope with the new technologies. Organizations should communicate openly with the employees on the benefits of adopting AI. Moreover, managers should also explain how their careers can refine after learning AI and automation.
2. Budget Constraints
Small and mid-sized enterprises struggle with limited financial resources. They find it difficult to allocate funds for employee training. Therefore, the high costs associated with upskilling employees in AI and automation are major challenges.
Government programs such as the Skill India Initiative will likely decrease training expenses.
3. Relevance of Skills
Another challenge is helping employees acquire the specific skills relevant to their specific industry. Many training programs offer generalized knowledge, which does not align with the high level of practical knowledge needed for fields like AI and automation.
To address this, organizations must focus on industry-specific upskilling programs. These can be developed through collaborations with associations like FICCI.
Inclusion and Diversity in Upskilling
Inclusive and diverse AI preparation programs open opportunities for all employees, irrespective of gender, background, or skill level.
Key Practices:
Accessible Training: Training programs should be made accessible by adapting them to the unique requirements of different people. For example, companies can use screen readers and multilingual content to make it accessible. Employers should also hire professional educationists to help employees grasp concepts better.
Empower Women and Rural Workers: More representation of women and rural workers in tech is a strategic imperative for top firms. They can leverage initiatives like The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) that provide targeted programs for women and rural workers. Employers can collaborate with PMKVY officials to understand how they can train their women workforce and make them future-ready.
The Future
Preparing Indian employees for AI and automation is a cultural transformation as much as a technological one. With a step-by-step approach—assessing skills, designing training, leveraging technology, and fostering inclusivity—organizations can ensure their workforce is ready to compete and stay future-fit.
Investing in employee reskilling will enable Indian corporations to unlock AI's full potential and drive innovation and growth. Now is the time to act since the future belongs to the prepared.
References
LinkedIn. (2023, November). Future of work report: AI - November 2023. Economic Graph. https://economicgraph.linkedin.com/content/dam/me/economicgraph/en-us/PDF/future-of-work-report-ai-november-2023.pdf
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