Introducing AI tools to employees, according to Microsoft

According to Microsoft organisations should follow a structured approach that focuses on creating a supportive environment, providing relevant training, and encouraging ongoing engagement.

So how do Microsoft say you achieve this, below is a AI Help's distilled version of key areas:

1. Create a Supportive Environment: Leadership fosters a supportive atmosphere for AI learning. Key actions include:

   
   

   • Communicate: Clearly address any concerns about AI. Acknowledge diverse perspectives and reassure employees about protecting data through data governance and compliance.

   • Prioritise Learning: Emphasise the importance of learning about AI and offer resources that facilitate exploration and experimentation.

   • Make Learning Enjoyable: Provide easy access to AI resources in a low-pressure environment where employees can learn at their own pace. An engaging atmosphere that encourages experimentation can spark curiosity and deeper engagement.

     
     

2. Provide Structured Training: To ensure effective learning, organisations should:

   
   

   • Start with the Basics: Ensure employees gain foundational knowledge of AI before advancing to complex topics.

   • Offer Clear Learning Paths: Simplify the learning journey with structured paths tailored to various skill levels and roles.

   • Customise Role-Specific Training: Provide training tailored to specific job functions. For example, marketing teams may require training on how AI can enhance creativity and customer engagement, while sales teams may need guidance on applying AI to customer interactions.

   • Provide Ongoing Training: Continuously support and equip employees to use AI tools. Offer updates on new features and troubleshooting tips, fostering a culture of continuous learning.

   • Leverage Existing Resources: To support training efforts, utilise trusted skilling resources, such as Microsoft Learn.

   
   

3. Encourage Engagement and Adoption: To promote AI use among employees, organisations should:

   
   

• Create an AI Working Group: To guide the deployment of AI solutions, create a cross-functional AI working group with members from IT, change management, executive leadership, and risk management.

• Identify Champions: Recognise early adopters and power users who can showcase the benefits of AI tools and share their experiences to inspire others.

• Build a User Community: Establish virtual spaces where employees can connect, share tips, ask questions, and provide answers.

• Promote Peer-to-Peer Learning: Encourage collaborative projects, peer-led learning, and show-and-tell sessions to facilitate knowledge sharing.

• Highlight AI's Value: Demonstrate how AI can save time and enhance productivity in specific roles, empowering employees in the integration process.

• Celebrate Successes: Publicly acknowledge teams contributing to successful AI implementation and recognise the results.

• Emphasise Responsible Use: Establish clear policies tailored to employees' roles to ensure they understand the ethical implications of AI.

4. Integrate AI into Workflows: To seamlessly incorporate AI into daily operations,

organisations should:

• Focus on Practical Applications: Help employees see how AI skills can fit into their daily routines. Encourage small, regular steps with AI before advancing to more transformative stages.

• Define Clear Use Cases: Identify specific business problems that AI can address, using these as foundational points for implementation.

• Utilise Copilot: Encourage employees to use Microsoft 365 Copilot as an AI assistant. Demonstrate how it can assist with creating documents, summarising meetings, and generating content. Copilot can also connect to external systems for accurate self-service answers.

• Tailor AI Tools: Once teams become proficient, they can integrate AI tools with business data and applications outside of Microsoft 365 using agents built by Microsoft Copilot Studio.

• Provide Role-Based Agents: Utilise pre-built AI agents tailored for specific tasks and functions, like Microsoft 365 Copilot for Service, Sales, and Finance.

• Encourage Habit-Building: Promote the regular use of AI tools to help employees learn how to maximise their capabilities and achieve better responses.

Start today, AI Help for business is here to assist you in navigatimg this journey, and you can start now by booking a session with an AI expert here.