A digital divide on Generative AI is emerging in the Canadian business landscape.
Nearly half of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are haunted by the spectre of being left in the dust as the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution races forward, according to .Ìý
For those Canadian companies that have dipped their toes into the AI waters, the rewards are undeniable.
A staggering 94% report that AI is a revenue booster, a clear signal that this technology is not just hype, but a powerful engine for growth.
Yet, many SMBs struggle to fully realize its potential. Despite significant investments in Gen AI tools, teams often fail to use them effectively.
This disconnect often stems from a lack of targeted training.ÌýÂ
Corporate leaders should view flexible work not just as a temporary necessity borne out of a
The typical approach to Gen AI involves reliance on vendor-provided one-size-fits-all training programs that do not address the specific needs and applications relevant to different roles within an organization.
This approach leaves employees unsure of how to integrate Gen AI into their daily tasks, resulting in low adoption rates and minimal impact on productivity.
Without a clear understanding of how Gen AI can directly improve their work, employees are less likely to embrace these new technologies.Ìý
To maximize the impact of Gen AI, SMBs must develop role-specific learning modules that align with the distinct responsibilities and expertise levels of employees. This targeted approach ensures that each team member acquires the knowledge and skills most pertinent to their function, driving both efficiency and innovation.Ìý
For instance, in a law firm, attorneys might focus on leveraging Gen AI for legal research and contract analysis, while paralegals could concentrate on automating routine administrative tasks.
In health care, clinicians might utilize Gen AI for diagnostic insights, while administrative staff employ it for optimizing patient scheduling and communications.
In financial services, as Andrew Medjuk, SVP of Lyndhurst Financial Corporation told me in an interview, financial advisers can use it to create highly personalized market commentary and model complex portfolio scenarios, while their support staff can deploy it to automate client onboarding, schedule reviews, and draft routine correspondence.Ìý
Personalized, role-based learning has traditionally been challenging to implement at scale. However, Gen AI itself offers solutions. By leveraging AI-powered learning platforms, organizations can create customized learning paths that adapt to individual needs and learning paces.ÌýÂ
While understanding the theoretical foundations of Gen AI is essential, the true value emerges from practical application. Many training programs fail to bridge the gap between abstract concepts and real-world scenarios.
Incorporating hands-on exercises, simulations, and real-world case studies into training programs is crucial. This experiential learning approach enables employees to experiment with Gen AI tools in a controlled environment, building confidence and competence.Ìý
For example, a marketing team could participate in a workshop where they use Gen AI to create ad copy and analyze campaign performance. By working through these practical scenarios, employees can gain a deeper understanding of how Gen AI can be applied to daily tasks.Ìý
An effective Gen AI learning program must be accessible and inclusive, catering to employees with varying technical backgrounds and learning preferences.
Offering training materials in multiple formats — such as video tutorials, written guides, and interactive simulations — ensures that all employees can engage with the content effectively.
Inclusivity also means providing additional support for employees who may face barriers to learning, such as offering extra training sessions or creating peer mentoring programs.Ìý
Research shows that AI systems can inadvertently perpetuate bias. Organizations must conduct regular audits of their training content and AI algorithms to promote fairness and equity. Moreover, Gen AI comes with a host of that employees need to learn about, both specific to their role and more broadly.ÌýÂ
Designing an effective Gen AI learning program is a strategic imperative.
By tailoring content to specific roles, balancing theoretical knowledge with practical application, and ensuring accessibility and inclusivity, Canadian SMBs can empower their workforce to harness the full potential of Gen AI.
By investing in comprehensive and targeted training, they can unlock significant efficiency gains, foster innovation, and position themselves as industry leaders, addressing the fears uncovered by Salesforce among nearly half of all SMBs.
The future belongs to those who can effectively integrate Gen AI into their operations, and a well-designed learning program is the key to achieving this goal.Ìý
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation