The trust gap between workers and executives is a cause for concern among both groups.

• The emergence of AI technology in the workplace promises to revolutionize business operations and introduce innovative work methods.
• Experts say that both company leaders and workers are anxious about the arrival of AI, which may lessen its positive impact.
• C-suite leaders must effectively communicate to employees how AI will impact the company and their jobs to alleviate concerns.

Artificial intelligence has become a major influence in the past year, leading to mistrust in watercoolers and cubicles.

Despite the potential for AI to drive business transformation, both rank-and-file workers and the C-suite are hesitant to deploy it due to skepticism. The recent increase in layoffs, particularly in the tech industry, has only added to this distrust.

To ensure the long-term success of AI, it is crucial to have leaders who are enthusiastic about it and to provide clear communication on how it will affect and change employee jobs, regardless of whether a person is on the side of the desk that supports or opposes AI.

Emily Rose McRae, a senior director and analyst at Gartner, stated that there is a lot of anxiety around but many opportunities exist, and employees aren't getting that message because employers aren't getting that message. McRae explained that many employers have anxiety over AI and pass it on to their employees. She advised employers to better educate themselves about the opportunities and benefits of AI. Finally, she emphasized the importance of employers communicating their plans to their employees.

A survey by Workday found that 62% of business leaders are welcoming AI in the workplace, while only 52% of employees are embracing it.

Employers are hesitant to deploy AI due to uncertainty about its application, but once they witness its potential to boost productivity and generate new opportunities, they will share their enthusiasm with employees. However, it is crucial for employers to communicate clearly and demonstrate how AI will benefit workers.

McRae stated that there is messaging in the media that AI will replace jobs, and vendors are promoting products that demonstrate how AI can eliminate jobs, resulting in people feeling anxious about it.

McRae stated that employers should communicate with employees that if their role needs to be reimagined, they will have a discussion and explore other ways the employee can contribute to the company, which will help establish trust with workers.

Ensuring that workers trust both companies and AI

According to Patrick Flynn, an assistant professor of human resources management at North Carolina State University, trust is a vital currency that executives must cultivate. However, he notes that workers must now trust twice as much due to the widening gulf between bosses and workers.

Two parallel processes of cultivating trust are occurring, as a subordinate employee must trust both the leader and the AI, according to Flynn.

To build trust among workers, employers must explain the development process and benefits of AI-driven systems, as well as the values that guide their operation.

To improve their performance, business leaders must instruct employees on how to utilize AI effectively.

Flynn states that while he believes the technology won't replace jobs, it will change roles and jobs within companies. Employers must prepare their employees for this transformation.

The evolving world of work in the age of AI

Ritual CEO Atif Rafiq acknowledges that AI will revolutionize jobs and the next 18 to 24 months will involve adjusting and implementing AI while determining its limits.

AI will increasingly take over legacy tasks and administrative work, allowing employees to focus on creativity and problem-solving, as Rafiq stated.

Rafiq stated that while managing existing company knowledge is different from creating new knowledge, many employees will transition to problem-solving and fostering creativity. However, humans will still be necessary and their role in initiating innovation will continue.

AI can assist humans in defining problems and asking the right questions, speeding up the process and filling in gaps, according to Rafiq. While humans' contribution is still essential, AI can accelerate their achievements. Rafiq emphasizes that this message is growth-oriented and can help alleviate fear and mistrust.

Addressing distrust is critical for CEOs to be judged favorably tomorrow in the new era of AI, as Rafiq stated today.

The CEO of a global company's legacy will be determined by their actions and whether they prioritize people or solely focus on profits, according to Rafiq. He emphasized that these are moral and personal legacy questions for modern-day company leaders.

According to Jim Stratton, Workday's chief technology officer, the most surprising aspect of the company's recent AI survey results was the lack of knowledge among individuals and companies about how they will use AI. Additionally, Stratton noted that many individuals expressed a lack of trust in AI.

Companies must construct a bridge to help employees cross the gap in the months to come.

To successfully close the trust gap in a company, a four-step process must be implemented, which includes defining and communicating principles, developing a responsible AI strategy, establishing an AI risk management framework, and creating a plan for clear communication about AI.

Opportunity awaits despite the challenges of adjusting to AI, according to Stratton.

Stratton stated that while AI has the potential to disrupt various types of work, it also presents an opportunity for individuals to reskill and learn new ways of doing things.

Jim Stratton is the chief technology officer at Workday. An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified him.

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