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      Arguably, the biggest risk to
      successful AI integration is your employees

      Generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) is getting more airtime than ever, but when it comes to business implementation for better productivity and efficiency, there’s a high dose of employee scepticism.

      In a 2024 global study by Ipsos, Australia was deemed the country most nervous about AI. This apprehension stems from the fear that generative AI will jeopardise jobs and take over the tasks humans currently do. 

      Our thought leadership report explores the people side of AI transformation, and how to help employees feel empowered by the technology so they, and the organisation, can make the most of its benefits.

      Creating a people-centric AI strategy

      AI can turbocharge business productivity by automating tedious tasks, driving smart decisions, and sparking innovation. But people need to be on board for organisations to truly see the benefits.

      Research shows that high-trust organisations excel in digital success, yet many employees feel left out of AI conversations and worry about issues like being under surveillance. By involving everyone in the AI journey and clearly explaining its benefits, businesses can build trust and make sure AI implementations are embraced.

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      People and AI: report highlights

      Exclusion hinders take-up

      Many employees feel excluded from AI-related discussions, leading to uncertainty about their interests being considered.

      Global surge in AI adoption

      Usage of AI nearly doubled in the six months leading to May 2024.

      Trust is important

      High-trust organisations are more successful in digital transitions.

      High apprehension in Australia

      69% of surveyed Australians expressed concerns about AI-powered products and services.

      Engagement benefits

      Employee engagement in AI discussions fosters connections, capability building and a sense of belonging.

      Employee scepticism

      The biggest AI adoption threat is employee scepticism, mistrust, or fear of job loss.

      Training success story

      Find out how we motivated our people to use the KPMG Eclipse AI Academy.

      Five strategies for embracing AI

      It’s possible to build an environment where change is welcomed, and people are motivated and excited about the possibilities offered by AI and new technologies. Here are five actions to put in place:

      • Be clear on the why

        When leaders and employees understand the purpose of AI, they can better envision their future roles. Recognising that AI helps enhance job performance rather than replace jobs, is motivating – most people strive to excel, and AI can help them get there.

      • Develop widespread training

        Our research shows that trusted and respected employees achieve better results, as motivation comes from agency, connection, and competence. Training encourages discussions that foster social connections and decision-making for improved experimentation.

      • Encourage people to play

        At KPMG, we successfully fostered enthusiasm and innovation by creating KymChat, a safe space for hands-on gen AI experimentation, resulting in nearly full participation and the development of exciting new applications.

      • Make it tangible

        Realising AI’s full value means helping employees understand its practical benefits. Our Workforce AI approach identifies tasks that can be automated, calculates savings, and shows how roles can be reorganised for higher productivity.

      • Reward engagement

        Realign your performance management system to reward innovation, quality of work, and effective AI use. Also ensure recognition and incentives match your organisation’s goals.

      Download report

      Driving AI adoption

      Driving AI adoption

      Empowering people to change.
      Download

      Case study: the KPMG
      KymChat story

      KPMG’s innovative KymChat has empowered employees to embrace AI by providing secure access to ChatGPT’s capabilities. Through a close partnership with Microsoft, KPMG quickly set up and tested KymChat, receiving enthusiastic support from senior leadership.

      The collaborative effort across a range of divisions ensured robust data protection and responsible AI deployment. Essential AI-specific training helped manage the transition smoothly, boosting productivity and service quality.

      Today, KymChat’s custom libraries have significantly improved accuracy, and specialised versions like KymTax are used extensively, demonstrating impressive productivity gains and enhancing KPMG’s offerings.

      Read the KPMG KymChat case study
      KPMG colleagues having discussion in front of glowing blue-pink frame

      AI for the workplace: how we can help

      We guide clients in identifying impactful AI use cases, implementing technology, and effecting necessary organisational changes. KPMG accelerates behavioural change and technology adoption, helping you quickly realise AI investment benefits. Our change management strategists facilitate use-case adoption and foster a generative AI cultural movement, equipping leaders and engaging employees as committed partners in your AI journey.

      Contact us

      First in the world to be ISO certified for AI by BSI

      KPMG Australia proudly leads the charge in AI excellence, as the first firm globally to receive ISO 42001 certification for AI Management Systems by the British Standards Institution (BSI). It’s another way we’re showing our deep commitment and dedication to Trusted AI.

      Get in touch

      KPMG's latest AI and workforce insights

      Browse KPMG's insights and thought leadership below.

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