Calming the AI Anxieties: How Internal Comms professionals can reassure employees in the Age of Automation
Ah, artificial intelligence! It’s as nerve-wracking as it is exciting. On one hand, AI promises amazing new efficiencies and a whole world of possibilities, but on the other hand, it has a way of sneaking into casual conversations and evoking fears about job losses. (Or becoming human slaves to killer robot overlords, depending on which tabloid is in the staffroom.)
For Internal Communications professionals, addressing these anxieties is becoming increasingly important as AI integration deepens across most industries. But fear not! With a little finesse and a dash of humour, you can ease those AI-induced jitters and help your colleagues see the opportunities rather than just the threats.
Here are some strategies to guide IC people on this journey of reassurance:
1. Acknowledge the (robot) elephant in the room
The first step in addressing employees’ AI concerns is to openly acknowledge them. Trying to dismiss or downplay the issue might only heighten anxieties. When people hear “AI,” some might immediately think of terrifying human-like robots taking over their jobs. While this is certainly a creative way of looking at things, it’s more sci-fi than reality. Make it clear that while AI is indeed automating some tasks, it’s also opening up new opportunities for people to upskill, take on more creative work, and do what they’re uniquely good at — being human.
Provided it sits with your organisation’s tone of voice (and it likely should!), use humour here: “Don’t worry, the robots aren’t coming for our jobs…yet. And even if they do, they’ll probably need us to programme them and fix them when they inevitably break down. Hell, mankind hasn’t even made a printer yet that can go three weeks without a paper jam.”
2. Highlight the assistive nature of AI
AI, despite all the Hollywood hype and tabloid fear-mongering, is not about replacing people — it’s about assisting them. Reinforce this message by sharing examples of how AI is already being used to make work easier and more productive. Talk about how AI tools can handle mundane, repetitive tasks, freeing up time for employees to focus on more rewarding and strategic aspects of their roles. It’s like having an incredibly efficient assistant who doesn’t need coffee breaks or want to talk to you about last night’s Love Island! And if these examples can come from within the organisation, then even better.
For instance, AI can handle scheduling, data analysis, or even some customer queries, allowing team members to devote more time to creative problem-solving, building relationships, or professional development.
3. Emphasise the power of upskilling and reskilling
The rise of AI is not just about automation — it’s also about transformation. Encourage employees to view this shift as a chance to learn and grow. Show that the organisation is committed to investing in its people by providing opportunities for upskilling and reskilling. Offer workshops, training programmes, and resources that enable team members to develop new skills that align with the evolving landscape.
Remind them that while AI might be good at crunching numbers, only humans can truly understand context, cultural nuances, and customer emotions. The future will always need a human touch, even if it’s guided by AI analysis.
4. Share success stories and case studies
Find and share real-world examples where AI has led to positive changes in organisations without causing job losses. Show how companies have managed to integrate AI in ways that empower employees, enhance customer service, or drive new innovations. Once again, if these stories can come from within, the pore powerful and convincing they will be! And we believe that video testimonials are one of the best ways to share this kind of story. Highlighting these stories helps employees see AI in a new (and more accurate) light — as a tool for enhancing their roles rather than replacing them.
Case studies are a great way to provide context. For example, companies like Netflix use AI to recommend content based on user preferences (and imagine being the poor bugger who has to sift through that Excel spreadsheet!!!), but it’s the humans behind the scenes who create the shows, strategize content, and make decisions about programming.
5. Provide platforms for open discussion
Employees might be more reassured if they have a platform to discuss their concerns openly. Host town hall meetings, Q&A sessions, or smaller group discussions where leaders can address questions directly and dispel myths about AI. Make it clear that feedback is not only welcome but encouraged, as it allows the organisation to gauge the level of concern and respond accordingly. This is where a platform that allows live polling and anonymous Q&A really shines.
Being transparent about how AI is being used within the company and why certain tools are being adopted will foster trust. It’s also an opportunity to share how AI won’t lead to layoffs but instead will help teams become more agile and innovative.
6. Lead by example — Use AI responsibly
Actions speak louder than words. When employees see the leadership team using AI tools to complement their work rather than replace human efforts, it reinforces the message. Showcase AI initiatives where human oversight remains essential, such as using AI for data analysis while human experts make final decisions.
Moreover, reassure employees about data privacy and ethical considerations with AI use. Responsible AI practices ensure that automation benefits everyone without compromising personal data or creating an over-reliance on technology.
7. Sprinkle in some humour and positivity
Anxiety doesn’t stand a chance against a good laugh. Use light-hearted communications to ease concerns. Share humorous takes on AI, such as cartoons about robot assistants being overwhelmed by human complexity or memes that poke fun at AI's limitations. Light-hearted content can serve as a gentle reminder that while AI is smart and powerful, it still has a long way to go before it can truly "think" like a person.
Encourage teams to embrace the advantages of working alongside AI: “Think of AI as your new work buddy — like Clippy from Microsoft Word, only smarter. And obviously significantly less annoying.
Think carefully about any (stock) imagery you use to accompany your AI-related comms. I very deliberately chose the image at the top of this article because it carries a “cute” factor. It is decidedly unthreatening. A lot of imagery commonly used with stories about AI can be chilling or unsettling to some people, completely undoing the point of your comms. I present Exhibit A, m’lud…
Conclusion: The future is human (with a little help from AI)
By framing AI as an ally rather than an adversary, IC professionals can transform fear into excitement. The key is to communicate openly, invest in skills development, and provide real-life examples of AI complementing human work. When employees see AI as a tool for empowerment rather than a threat, they’ll be more likely to embrace the technology and the changes it brings.
So go ahead, reassure your teams: the future of work isn’t about humans versus machines; it’s about humans with machines. Because no matter how smart AI gets, it will always need a little human help — especially when it comes to clearing those paper jams.
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