By Gopali Contractor
As organisations navigate a rapidly changing business landscape, generative AI is emerging not just as another tool—but as a force reshaping how work gets done. From boosting productivity to enabling entirely new ways of problem-solving, its potential is significant. But as with any transformational shift, the real question isn’t just what AI can do—it’s how companies are integrating it into the day-to-day rhythm of their people’s work. Because success in this new era of work isn’t defined by access to cutting-edge technology alone. It’s defined by how effectively people and AI learn from and with each other.
Unlike traditional automation, which offers one-time efficiency gains through predefined tasks, generative AI is a learning technology. It adapts, evolves, and improves over time with human interaction. The more people use it, the better it gets. And as it becomes more useful, people naturally want to use it more. This creates a virtuous learning cycle—a self-reinforcing loop where human usage enhances AI capabilities, and enhanced capabilities, in turn, drive greater human adoption.
This positive learning loop is already taking shape in the workplace. According to Accenture’s Technology Vision 2025 research, individuals familiar with generative AI are five times more likely to have a positive perception of the technology. Consider how people already use gen AI in their personal lives. From creating travel itineraries and meal plans to crafting social media posts and writing thank-you cards, they’re using it to meet goals—like sticking to a diet or keeping up with correspondence—overcoming a lack of time or skills. This underscores a vital insight: confidence and trust in AI grow with hands-on experience.
However, creating this cycle doesn’t happen automatically. It requires intentional effort from organisations. AI implementation is fundamentally a business challenge, one that calls for a clear strategy, inclusive communication, and a company-wide commitment to change. Here’s how leading organisations are accelerating this transformation:
i) Empowering employees with the right AI tools and autonomy: Generative AI works best for people when they are given the skills and trust to use it to get things done. Giving all employees access to AI assistants, automation tools, and agentic workflows relevant to their area of work can improve their usage of AI and build confidence. People in the driver’s seat are more likely to see AI as a helpful partner rather than something being forced upon them. This means giving them the autonomy to experiment with small automations, find ways to work smarter, and test new ideas—to get the most out of AI.
ii) Embedding AI fluency into workforce training: As AI tools become increasingly sophisticated, their full potential can only be unlocked if employees know how to harness them effectively. Currently, a significant gap exists between the autonomous capabilities of AI and the people who need to use it. Bridging this gap is becoming increasingly urgent, with 60% of Indian CXOs planning to upskill their employees to leverage generative AI over the next three years. That means going beyond basic technical training to build broader, deeper understanding—so employees know what AI can (and can’t) do, how to use it ethically, and where human judgement still matters most.
iii) Building trust through transparency and communication: Trust is the foundation of gen AI adoption. 78% of Indian CXOs agree that building trust is critical to realising AI’s full potential. 86% believe that clearly communicating their organisation’s AI strategy is key to that trust. People must understand not just how AI will be used, but why—and how it will benefit them and the business.
iv) Reimagining work and preparing for new roles: As AI takes over routine, repetitive tasks, people can focus more on creative, strategic, and high-value work. 97% of surveyed Indian CXOs expect a shift towards more innovative tasks over the next three years. Organisations must anticipate these changes and begin identifying the new roles, skill sets, and career and learning paths that will define success in an AI-driven future.
Humans in the Loop: The Key to AI’s Continued Progress
We are entering a pivotal phase in the evolution of work. While the promise of generative AI is immense, its real impact will be determined by how well organisations integrate it into the human fabric of their workforce. Success will not be measured by the number of tools deployed, but by the extent to which people are empowered, trusted, and supported in this transition.
Those who get this right—who see AI not as a replacement but as a collaborator, a coach, and a catalyst—will unlock a cycle of continuous learning, innovation, and growth. The future of AI at work isn’t just intelligent. It’s deeply human-centred and transformative.
(Gopali Contractor, Lead - Center for Advanced AI, Advanced Technology Centers Global Network, Accenture.)
Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.
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