AI upskilling for employees

By: Jhoni Jackson, Edited by: Gabriela Pérez Jordán

Published: March 19, 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already amplifying productivity across industries. But how can leaders encourage AI upskilling for employees? Read on for strategies that can prepare you to inspire your team to embrace new technologies.

How to close the AI skills gap for your employees

Leaders who want to help their teams learn AI must first understand AI themselves. You can learn about AI-driven leadership and consider AI Executive Education courses on edX to prepare. Read on for more guidance in upskilling your employees.

1. Evaluate how AI can help your business

AI's potential is vast, but understanding how it can help your business can sometimes be overwhelming. Consider identifying which areas you want to improve, such as productivity, communication, and common mistakes. You can also evaluate how AI might help your company meet organizational goals, such as increasing sales or improving customer service.

Research AI technologies that can alleviate your company's problems, streamline processes, or optimize performance, then map out what implementation will look like. The purpose and outcome should align.

2. Create a clear AI implementation strategy

Before bringing new technologies to your team, create a clear strategy for implementing them. Be sure to consider the following:

• Budget: How much can your company invest in employees' continued education?
• Individualization: Will all employees learn the same technology? Or will training be specific to each department or individual employee?
• Training method: Will employees take online or in-person AI courses or will you bring an expert to train them on-site?
• Training strategy: Can employees complete training within your timeline while meeting daily workflow expectations? Will employees be allotted time specifically for training?
• Outcome expectations: Be sure to outline clear expectations for all departments for both the training process and the subsequent use of AI in each employee's daily workflow.

3. Inspire your employees to upskill

Make a list of ways to motivate your team to learn. Consider the benefits of helping your employees upskill in AI:

• AI has the potential to assist with workflows and improve performance.
• AI could automate monotonous tasks, freeing up time for more thought-provoking work.
• Continuous learning of any kind can cultivate confidence among employees and inspire innovation.
• According to a 2024 Gallup survey, 22% of workers are worried their roles will be replaced by AI. Upskilling in AI can help prepare employees to adapt to this evolving technology.

4. Gather employee feedback regularly

It's essential that leaders accept feedback, whether positive or negative. Throughout the training process, you should know how your employees are doing and support them as needed. Employees may also have concerns — including questions about ethics in AI or suggestions for new technologies to try — once they begin using AI in their daily workflows.

Establish a mode of communication for AI training and implementation, such as a designated Slack channel or a company intranet site where they can submit comments.

5. Adapt your upskilling strategy as needed

Prepare yourself for the possibility that your strategy may not go as planned. You may need to adapt training to meet employee needs or identify alternative goals that complement your organization's mission. Consider any changes to plans not as failures, but as lessons for future training efforts.

Benefits of upskilling your workforce with AI

A well-trained team can benefit your organization in multiple ways. When considering whether or not to help your employees upskill, remember that offering training can:

• Help your company thrive: AI can help streamline processes, enhance employee performance, and inspire innovation.
• Increase employee retention: According to a 2024 Gallup survey, 47% of employees say they're less likely to look for another job if their company encourages them to learn new skills.
• Attract top talent: Company-funded learning and development opportunities can be an attractive benefit that may help your organization stand out to job seekers.