In this BSA series – “AI@Work” – enterprise software leaders explain in their own words how artificial intelligence (AI) is having a positive impact on people’s jobs and the workforce. In this submission, EY Americas AI Transformation Leader Vignesh Veerasamy on how leaders can maximize the potential of AI through comprehensive AI learning programs for employees to gain confidence in these robust tools.
What is your AI@Work?
AI continues to disrupt the business model and spark transformational opportunities for Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) and our clients. Our EY.AI approach puts our people at the center of an ecosystem that gives them tools to embed AI at speed and scale and safeguards to proactively manage risk. This gives us a strong foundation to first prove our AI capabilities in technology, people, process and change management within the EY organization, then bring our expertise and insights to our clients so they can act with confidence.
How will AI@Work change how people do their jobs, and how should we prepare?
AI can help employees do their jobs more efficiently, enabling people to focus on higher value and more strategic tasks. It is why training is such a critical component to successful implementation of AI programs. At the EY organization, we’re investing in learning strategies that empower and meet people where they are, including bespoke development courses such as Responsible AI, Applied AI and AI Engineering. Our AI learning has seen record adoption — the EY learning module, AI Now, has seen nearly 200,000 completions.
What internal capabilities do people or companies need to harness the power of AI for their organization?
AI can optimize performance, enrich customer and employee experiences, and unlock new sources of sustainable growth. It’s important to have thoughtful, deliberate and ongoing discussions about where AI implementation can bring the greatest value, and a sustained focus on the right learning and development programs that empower teams to use the technology to drive innovation responsibly.
As companies increasingly adopt AI, a strong data infrastructure and a responsible AI framework will be crucial to addressing risk and scaling solutions. The EY.ai Confidence Index is one way we’re helping companies drive confidence in data, technology and processes that form their AI ecosystems — it considers the organization’s full AI model lifecycle across our principles of responsible AI.
How have you addressed using AI@Work for members of your team?
AI is about more than just technology, it’s about trust. Our EY research over the last year has found that employees are anxious about using emerging technology, but that anxiety is eased by transparency and training. We advise our clients to invest in robust training programs that evolve as the technology evolves. Employees are also concerned about their organization using AI responsibly. We have found there are fewer concerns among employees when organizations are open about how they are using AI and when there is oversight over AI programs. Across the business, we’ve set up AI adoption networks that bring together AI champions at all levels to talk about their experiences leveraging AI, share real use cases, and equip our people with the confidence to use AI to create value.
What are some key takeaways for leaders using or planning to use AI@Work?
Leaders play a critical role in creating a strong culture and maximizing the potential of their AI programs. By making sure their employees have the right education and training, and establishing a strong responsible AI framework, they can harness a culture of curiosity where they can apply AI to the way their organization works. A different type of thinking is required to focus more on the possibility of AI, rather than defaulting to the practical. Building the right mindset can tap into the opportunity for AI to unlock human potential.
The views expressed by the author are not necessarily those of Ernst & Young LLP or other members of the global EY organization.
About the author:
As the EY Americas AI Transformation Leader, Vignesh Veerasamy drives the firm’s strategy to embed AI across EY services, solutions and internal operations. He works across the firm to ensure teams are consistently leveraging AI to transform and drive value. Veerasamy is passionate about giving his teams and clients experiences and outcomes that are both individual and immersive.