Automation and AI are two of the most popular buzzwords in business today. Everyone wants to know how they can use these technologies to improve their operations and bottom line. But what about your non-technical employees? Do they need to know anything about automation and AI?

UiPath’s 2020 survey of 500 senior managers and C-level executives from various organizations found that 70% prefer non-technical employees to have automation and AI skills.  The report highlights the importance of implementing training programs. Likewise, managers make sure that employees are up-to-date with the latest technology trends.

Understanding AI Literacy

3 employees laughing and sitting on table holding their laptops

AI literacy is the ability to understand and explain AI concepts. This includes being able to explain what AI is, how it works, and its potential implications.

A lot of employees may not even know where to start when it comes to learning about AI. This is where employer-sponsored training programs can come in handy. By providing employees with the resources they need to become AI literate, you’re investing in their future and setting them up for success.

At the level of executives, AI literacy is important to make informed decisions about how best to use AI within their organization. They need to be able to understand the risks and benefits of AI. So that they can make strategic decisions about its implementation.

Why Automation and AI Skills are Important?

 Employees need to have automation and AI skills because:

1. More prevalent in the workplace.

Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) became more prevalent in the workplace. That’s why it is increasingly vital for all employees to have some skills in these areas. The UiPath’s 2020 survey found that nearly all respondents (94%) who hold non-technical positions said they already interact with these technologies in some way as part of their job. Additionally, most executives (70%) surveyed believe that non-technical employees should have at least a working knowledge of such tools.

When hiring for any position, nearly three-quarters of surveyed executives (73%) said they would prefer a candidate with experience or knowledge of automation and AI over one without these skills. This preference is likely due to the growing importance of automation and AI in all aspects of a business. As such, skilled employees will be better equipped to handle tasks and responsibilities associated with their position.

2. Employee career advancement depends on it.

In today’s job market, career advancement depends on having the right skills. This is especially true when it comes to automation and AI. Employees without exposure to them will find themselves at a disadvantage when trying to advance in their careers.

Employees who want to stay ahead of the curve and future-proof their careers need to make sure they have some level of understanding when it comes to automation and AI. By understanding these technologies, they will be better equipped to adapt to changes in the workplace and take advantage of new opportunities as they arise.

UiPath’s surveyed executives believe that automation and AI skills can have a number of benefits for non-technical employees. Forty-four percent believe that these skills can increase employees’ responsibilities, while 64% say they can lead to higher pay. Additionally, 67% of respondents believe that employees with these skills will have more opportunities for career advancement within their organization. Ultimately, automation and AI skills can help non-technical employees become more valued members of their organizations

3. Organizations are better positioned to stay ahead of the curve.

By providing employees with the resources they need to develop AI literacy, you’re investing in their future.  But also positioning your organization for success. Having a regular training and development program in place will ensure that your employees are able to keep up with the latest changes in the workplace. Consequently, they’re able to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise.

It’s important to note that this is not a one-time investment. As the workplace continues to evolve, it’s crucial to maintain a commitment to employee development. Organizations that are able to provide their employees with the resources they need to stay ahead of the curve will be better positioned for success in the long run.

What Are Some Automation Skills Employees Can Learn?

There are a number of different automation skills that employees can learn, depending on their position and the needs of their organization.

Some specific skills that employees can learn include:

  • How to use specific automation tools, such as RPA or machine learning
  • How to interpret data
  • How to optimize processes for efficiency
  • How to identify opportunities for automation
  • How to manage and monitor automated processes
  • How to troubleshoot issues with automated processes

Each of these skills can be beneficial for employees in different ways. For example, those who are responsible for managing and monitoring automated processes will need to know how to troubleshoot issues that may arise. On the other hand, employees who are responsible for identifying opportunities for automation will need to know how to interpret data. Ultimately, the specific skills that an employee needs will depend on their position and the needs of their organization.

Start your business Automation journey with Kiimkern!

As a business leader, you need to be thinking about how your company can use automation and AI to improve efficiency and competitiveness. The good news is, that you don’t need to be a tech expert to get started.

Kiimkern makes it easy for non-technical employees to get up to speed on the basics of automation and AI, so they can contribute to your company’s digital transformation. We offer consultancy, training, and software solutions that are tailored to your business needs.

With Kiimkern, you can:

  • Get started with automation and AI without being a tech expert
  • Learn about the latest trends in automation and AI
  • Find out how other businesses are using automation and AI
  • Discover new ways to use automation and AI in your business

Kiimkern is your partner in digital transformation. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you automate and improve your business.

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