How to get your organisation ready for AI in 2024

AI tools like Microsoft Copilot are no longer a futuristic concept; it’s here, and it’s already transforming the way we work. With a huge 75% of employees using AI at work in some capacity. 

But these investments don’t come cheap. UK businesses alone have spent a whopping 449% more on AI tools in Q1 of 2024 compared to the same period last year, with worldwide spending on AI set to more than double by 2028. To get the most out of these investments, it’s crucial for organisations to prepare, and to properly get ready. 

Here are five of the key ways you can get your organisation ready for AI: 

1. Start by assessing where you are today

You’re excited about AI. And rightly so. But instead of rushing AI out in haste, it’s important to take a step back and assess your current situation. Are your people ready for AI? Or are they still struggling to nail the basics? 

Assessing the digital maturity of your organiastion is like giving yourselves a health check-up. Similar to how you might assess your current fitness levels before you start training for a marathon. 

Identify how your people are really working today, and where there might be gaps in knowledge or behaviours that need to be bridged before you get the most from an AI investment.  It could also help you to identify areas where AI could really add value to your organisation, creating a roadmap for implementation and adoption. 

(Psst: we carry out Digital Maturity Assessments for organisations to help them achieve exactly this! You can read more about our Assessments here: Digital Maturity Assessments | Solutions – Hable)

2. Invest in learning

To get the most out of AI, people need to understand how to really use it to its full potential. Investing in training and development is crucial to ensuring teams are equipped with the necessary skills to leverage AI effectively. 

Providing people with not just a better understanding of AI, but with knowledge of the possibilities that AI offers and how these can be applied directly to specific roles. 

By providing these learning opportunities, your teams will be more confident about AI and likely feel more positive about embracing it. Making the roll out smoother and adoption more successful. 

3. Identify, recruit and empower Digital Champions

Identifying, recruiting, and empowering a network of Digital Champions can help to boost your organisation’s AI readiness. They can act as AI ambassadors, with their enthusiasm driving change from within.  

Moreover, they can act as mentors to the rest of the organisation while also demonstrating the benefits of AI through sharing their success stories.  

These individuals do not have to be tech-savvy; just passionate about innovation, change, and new technologies. 

4. Promote and foster a culture of innovation

Promoting and fostering a culture of innovation is key to preparing your organisation for AI. When creativity and innovation are encouraged in the workplace, employees feel empowered to explore new ideas and technologies, like AI.  

It is this open-minded approach that is essential for getting the most out of AI and accelerates the adoption of AI tools.  

Getting your organisation ready for AI - Final thoughts

AI is an exciting journey, with huge possibilities for new ways of working and innovation. But it requires some planning and strategy to ensure you get the most out of what could be a sizeable investment.  

By assessing your current state, investing in training, and fostering a culture of innovation, you lay a solid foundation for AI success.  

It’s important to remember that rolling AI is not just about technology; it’s about people. They need to be brought along on the journey from the beginning in order to truly get your organisation ready and levering this technology.