Artificial Intelligence (AI) is significant in the new emerging technology in the world. It has reshaped the workplace requirements and demands. Integrating AI into various industries has started to reshape job roles and redefine capabilities imperative for success.
The impact of AI on the global workforce cannot be overstated. The integration of technology in the workplace has rendered some traditional roles obsolete. Therefore, employers and employees need to acquire the necessary skills to remain relevant at work.
Upskilling is crucial because it allows employees and organizations to acquire the necessary skills needed to perform effectively and avoid potential job displacement or loss in this era of Artificial Intelligence. Companies need to improve the AI literacy of employees to compete in a rapidly changing environment.
What is Upskilling?
Upskilling is defined as improving employee skills through AI training and retraining and development programs. The aim of the upskilling is to reduce skill gaps and equip employees with the skills needed to prepare them for changes in their job roles and functions.
Approach for Upskilling
- Identify the skill gaps
- Communicate clearly
- Invest in learning and development
- Identify the Skill Gaps
The first step is to identify the skill gaps that exist in the company. This will assist to have a good understanding of the training and developmental programs needed for the employees. It will also assist in putting in place a good strategic plan that aligns with the organizational goals.
- Clear Communication
Employees might be nervous about AI’s impact on their careers and employment. Companies should communicate to employees clearly about their approach to AI and the necessary skills required for optimal job performance. It can give employees a greater purpose and more responsibilities while minimizing the manual work that they would rather avoid.
- Invest in learning and development
Organizations need to have a clear idea of what tools and expertise they need to effectively educate their employees, in line with the organizational goals and gaps that exist which need to be filled. Businesses should invest in learning and relevant programs that will help them afloat in the AI era.
- AI tools that are important to upskilling
*Computer vision
*Natural language processing
*Machine learning
*Robotic process automation
*Generative AI
- Computer Vision
Computer vision uses machine learning and neural networks to teach computers and systems to derive information from visual inputs. It is necessary and expedient for employees to understand how computer vision mimics human vision and how it can be used to improve business functions.
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a subfield of computer science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) that uses machine learning to enable computers to understand and communicate with human language. NLP is an important component of chatbots and virtual assistants. Employees must understand how they operate to better use the tools.
- Machine Learning (ML)
Machine Learning (ML) is a branch of Artificial Intelligence (AI) focused on enabling computers and machines to imitate how humans learn, to perform tasks autonomously, and to improve their performance and accuracy through experience and exposure to more data. Embracing ML will help organizations to improve data analysis and become more data-driven in the future.
- Robotic Process Automation (RPA )
RPA uses intelligent technologies to automate repetitive tasks usually handled by humans, such as extracting data, completing forms, moving files, etc. Employees who possess the skills and know how RPA works will have less work to do and will be able to focus more on strategy tasks.
- Generative AI
Gen AI tools like Watsonx, Chatgpt, Google Gemini, Microsoft Co-Pilot, and others are fast becoming important in organization workflows. Generative AI can help employees learn quickly by synthesizing information and contemplating strategies and tactics.
Organizations are exploring how to use these tools to train on their own data. It is, therefore, imperative for employees to learn how to use these tools on their job.
Like other technologies before it, the evolution of AI is creating opportunities for new industries, new jobs, and new approaches to existing jobs in customer service, financial services, healthcare, human resources, web development, etc.
Therefore, employees need to upskill in this AI era, stay relevant, and avoid job loss or displacement.
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