The transformative potential of generative AI in learning and development (L&D) is a topic of growing interest among business leaders. And if you think your workers aren’t using gen AI, you might be seriously off-base.

According to a global study of 14,000 workers by Salesforce in late 2023, 28% of workers were already using gen AI at work, with more than half not having received formal approval. A 2023 McKinsey report had similar findings. No doubt, by now the numbers are far higher.

Instead of focusing on a centralized command-and-control approach, recognizing and leveraging these early adopters can provide a strategic advantage, helping to integrate gen AI effectively into your company’s L&D programs to boost both effectiveness and efficiency. Indeed, a recent study from Harvard Business School researchers partnering with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) provides robust evidence of AI’s transformative potential, showing that consultants with access to gen AI completed tasks 22% faster and 40% better than those who didn’t.

So how do you get similar benefits?

Uncovering the hidden gen AI pioneers

Conduct an internal survey to identify who uses gen AI and how they use it. Ask questions focusing on the types of tools employees use, the frequency of use, and specific applications within their work. For instance, do they use AI for data analysis, content generation, or automating routine tasks? These details help map the current landscape of gen AI use within your organization.

Reassure employees that it’s acceptable to use gen AI in their work, even without a formal policy. Clearly communicate that your goal is to learn from their experiences, not to penalize them. Incentivize participation by offering rewards such as recognition, bonuses, or professional development opportunities. This approach alleviates fears and encourages honest and comprehensive responses.

When you analyze the survey results, identify individuals who use gen AI effectively and creatively.

When you analyze the survey results, identify individuals who use gen AI effectively and creatively. These informal leaders possess valuable insights into the practical applications of gen AI and can offer firsthand knowledge about the challenges and benefits of these tools.

Develop best practices from gen AI pioneers

Harness the expertise of your gen AI pioneers to develop best practices tailored to your organizational context. Create a collaborative environment where these early adopters share their experiences and insights.

Form a task force comprising your identified pioneers, L&D professionals, and IT specialists. This group can develop guidelines and best practices for using gen AI in the company. Hold regular meetings and workshops to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Pilot these best practices within a small, controlled group before rolling out gen AI tools companywide. Use this phase to gather feedback, refine the guidelines, and address any unforeseen challenges. Pilots allow for adjustments and ensure that the final practices are robust and practical.

Document the refined best practices clearly and accessibly. Create comprehensive guides, FAQs, and video tutorials that employees can easily access. Leverage your company’s intranet or an L&D platform to distribute these resources effectively.

Integrating gen AI pioneers into organizational learning

Embed gen AI knowledge into your organization’s L&D programs to ensure all employees benefit from the pioneers’ expertise, and align the use of gen AI with your company’s strategic goals.

First, incorporate gen AI modules into existing training programs. Cover the basics of gen AI, its applications, and the specific best practices developed by your task force. Offer both online courses and in-person workshops to cater to different learning preferences.

More broadly, establish a culture that encourages ongoing education and skill development to keep up with the rapid pace of AI development. Regularly update training materials to reflect the latest advancements in gen AI, and provide opportunities for employees to attend conferences, webinars, and other learning events.

Recognize and reward employees who contribute to this knowledge-sharing culture to further motivate participation.

As part of doing so, promote a culture of peer learning where employees share their gen AI experiences and tips with each other. Facilitate this through internal forums, lunch-and-learn sessions, and mentoring programs. Recognize and reward employees who contribute to this knowledge-sharing culture to further motivate participation.

Examples of successful gen AI learning initiatives

Pair employees with successful early gen AI adopters to facilitate knowledge sharing and skill development. This approach builds stronger professional relationships and fosters a collaborative learning environment. Peer mentoring encourages employees to learn from each other’s experiences, providing practical insights and real-world applications of gen AI.

One client that I’m helping to integrate gen AI, a midsize tech company, paired early adopter employees who volunteered as peer mentors and trainers with colleagues, covering diverse gen AI topics from coding to content creation to prompting. This enhanced collaboration and knowledge exchange across teams, resulting in increased confidence among employees in using gen AI tools and leading to higher productivity and innovation.

Host hands-on workshops and seminars to provide in-depth training on gen AI tools and techniques, encouraging the practical application of learned skills by incorporating real-world scenarios and interactive exercises.

For example, another client, a regional insurance company, organized regular workshops on gen AI implementation, focusing on practical applications relevant to their industry. Participants gained hands-on experience with AI tools, learning how to integrate them into their daily workflows. These workshops not only improved individual and team efficiency but also sparked new ideas for leveraging AI to enhance customer service and streamline operations.

Break down complex gen AI topics into short, focused lessons using videos, quizzes, and interactive content to allow employees to learn at their own pace. A regional financial services company I worked with offered microlearning courses in gen AI, providing flexible learning paths tailored to individual needs. Employees could access lessons on demand, increasing engagement and participation in training programs. The microlearning modules covered a wide range of topics, from basic AI principles to advanced data analysis techniques, resulting in improved employee skills and productivity.

Incorporate game elements like points, leaderboards, and badges into training programs.

Incorporate game elements like points, leaderboards, and badges into training programs. Reward progress with certificates and other incentives to create competitive and collaborative learning experiences.

Another client, a large professional services firm, introduced gamified training for gen AI skills, incorporating elements such as points for completed modules, leaderboards to track progress, and badges for milestones achieved. This approach significantly improved engagement and course completion rates. Employees found the gamified elements motivating and enjoyable, leading to higher participation and retention of skills. The competitive aspect encouraged employees to strive for excellence, while the collaborative features facilitated teamwork and knowledge sharing, resulting in a marked increase in the practical application of gen AI skills across the organization.

Conclusion

Track learning progress and outcomes to identify skills gaps and training needs. Use data to personalize learning experiences based on insights, and continuously improve programs based on feedback and data. Encourage a growth mindset among employees by providing opportunities for ongoing education and development. Recognize and reward learning achievements, and integrate learning into daily work routines. Align learning initiatives with organizational goals. Engage leadership in promoting a learning culture, which will foster a collaborative and supportive learning environment, and celebrate successes and milestones in learning journeys.

By doing so, you will effectively integrate gen AI into your company’s learning and development, harnessing the expertise within your organization to drive innovation and efficiency, and ensure your company stays ahead of the curve in the evolving gen AI landscape. The time to act is now, and the key lies in the untapped potential of your own workforce.