How to get ahead of the AI learning curve

Major companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of preparing their workforce for the future. JPMorgan is leading the charge by implementing AI training for all new employees. The firm's wealth-management unit is already seeing analysts save two to four hours per day on repetitive tasks. Still, the complexity and perceived costs of training deter many smaller businesses.

For companies looking to stay ahead of the AI learning curve though, creating spaces and opportunities for employees to experiment with the tech on real business problems can be an engaging and productive first step.

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Sarah Spoja, CFO of AP automation provider Tipalti, emphasizes the importance of giving teams the time and resources to start using AI, even if it's not yet ready for prime time. Rather than relying on a single AI expert within the finance team, Spoja believes that everyone in the organization needs to adopt the technology to be successful in the future. CFOs and other executives should prioritize figuring out the biggest opportunities for AI within their organizations and encourage their employees to explore its potential.

In addition to fostering a culture of experimentation, companies need to deliver a strong foundation with their training and development programs to support. Offering external training and certifications, providing department overviews, and delivering tools that help employees map out their career goals are just a few ways to support professional development.

Demonstrating leadership involvement, making training fun and engaging, and being respectful of time requirements are also key to the success of any talent development program. By tapping into the notion of play and experimentation with AI though, companies can elevate their training efforts without breaking the budget.