The human power behind AI adoption

The adoption of AI is an exciting prospect for most organisations, but it can also be unsettling. AI is transforming how we work at a speed few anticipated, leaving some worried that change will happen faster than they can keep up, or that automation will make their roles redundant.

Perhaps the bigger challenge is that we've only seen the beginning. Right now, AI feels like the internet in 1997 - full of potential that's yet to be realised. The fear is understandable, especially with headlines about disruption and job losses. But fear doesn't have to be the default. Confidence comes through learning and experimentation, not avoidance.

AI will continue to feel like a threat until organisations build trust and give employees the chance to learn, apply, and grow their capability.

Training as the first line of adoption

Our recent ELMO Educate Day was a 'big bang' moment, with many realising that AI is no longer a nice-to-have; it's embedded in everything we do. That event sparked our AI training program, which now includes foundational, advanced and transformative modules designed to meet people at different capability levels.

It's clear employees sit on an AI spectrum - from curious early adopters to cautious laggards - so our training intentionally builds in stages to lift capability across the board.

Our immediate focus is piloting the foundational module to give employees the essentials, while our refreshed onboarding program introduces new starters to AI policies and training from day one.

We also spotlight success stories from early adopters to inspire others, backed by OKRs and recognition programs that celebrate those leading the change. While leadership's voice and action matter, top-down directives alone won't drive adoption. Employees need to feel involved. When AI feels done to them, they resist - but when it's done with them, they lean in and emerge more confident and optimistic. We've seen this firsthand through a recent agentic AI project inside the business.

Next, our advanced module will invite teams to solve real business challenges by exploring agentic solutions that enhance workflows and shift focus to higher-value work.

From pilot to practice: Learning as we go

Our approach is deliberately iterative: start small, pilot, learn, then scale. There's no blueprint or north star for AI, so we're learning as we go and evolving training in real time, even using AI itself to streamline workshop design from days to hours.

This rollout has also required close partnership between People & Culture and Technology. Neither can drive transformation alone; success depends on both having an equal voice.

Addressing job security concerns head-on

Even with learning opportunities in place, some people still feel uneasy about job security. I can't guarantee anyone's job - not even my own - but I can show how AI can make roles richer and more meaningful.

When people express concern, I try to reframe the conversation:

• Strong AI skills can future-proof your career.
• AI reduces time spent on repetitive tasks.
• AI frees you up for more strategic, creative work.

The goal is to replace uncertainty with opportunity, showing that AI isn't here to take work away, but to open new ways for people to grow and add value.

I've seen it in my own role. AI helps me cut through admin and spend more time on big-picture thinking. And for those still unsure, I encourage experimentation, even casually. My custom GPT for footy tips might need refining for next season, but it reminds me how accessible and fun AI can be.

The future belongs to the learners

Careers have always been about continuous learning. AI just makes that reality more urgent. If people engage now, they'll future-proof themselves, not just for today, but for what comes next.