How Can OCM Help Prepare the Workforce for AI?

As the world navigates the rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI), one thing is clear: AI is not just a buzzword; it’s a force that will impact millions of jobs worldwide. Whether it’s in customer service, supply chain management, or financial services, AI will disrupt traditional roles and industries in unprecedented ways. We met with Bradie Speller, an Enterprise Change & Transformation Manager with 30+ years of experience, to discuss a significant component to consider: What is the role of organizational change management (OCM) to ensure that the workforce is prepared to thrive in this AI-driven future? 

AI’s widespread impact on the workforce 

It’s no secret that AI is accelerating at an incredible pace. Hundreds of millions of jobs globally will be affected by AI. What’s less clear is how these jobs will be impacted. Will they be eliminated? Transformed? Or will new types of roles emerge? 

In many cases, jobs that involve repetitive tasks or basic data processing are at risk. AI and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) are already capable of handling large data sets and performing tasks more efficiently than humans. The result is a significant reduction in the need for manual, repetitive work. However, this doesn’t mean humans are being pushed out entirely. Instead, we’re entering an era where collaboration between humans and machines will be essential. 

The real question now is: How do we prepare the workforce for this impact? Who is responsible for ensuring that employees are ready for these shifts? How do we prevent widespread job loss? These are the critical challenges that companies and governments will need to address. 

The role of OCM in AI  

OCM plays a critical role in guiding businesses through transformations, particularly those driven by technological advances, like AI. OCM practitioners focus on the "people side" of change, ensuring that employees are not only prepared for new processes or systems but also understand how these changes affect them directly. With AI, this role becomes even more vital. AI isn't just a new system to implement; it's an entirely new way of working, thinking, and interacting with technology. 

One of the biggest challenges will be overcoming resistance to change. As humans, we are inherently resistant to anything that disrupts our norm. However, AI is moving so quickly that there’s little time to resist change. Companies will need to bring in skilled OCM practitioners to help employees navigate change without succumbing to change fatigue—which is already a challenge in many organizations. 

The intersection of AI and OCM 

So where do AI and OCM intersect? At the heart of it, the answer lies in the people. AI is not happening in a vacuum—it's happening to real workers in real industries.  

As AI continues to evolve, the demand for effective OCM will only increase. Organizations will need to help their workforce understand, adopt, and collaborate with AI in ways that enhance productivity. This is where OCM practitioners come in. They play a crucial role in ensuring that employees not only understand the "why" behind these changes but also the "what’s in it for me"—the WIIFM. 

OCM is essential in preparing workers for new responsibilities that require strategic and creative thinking, skills that AI cannot replace. Workers must learn how to collaborate with AI to ensure that they are not bystanders, but active participants in this technological evolution. 

Preparing the workforce for the future 

The task ahead is enormous: companies must budget for training and development programs that will equip employees with the skills that they need to thrive in an AI-powered world. This includes understanding how to work with AI, repair it when necessary, and ensure that it operates optimally. While AI may take over coding and other technical tasks, it will still require human collaboration to ensure seamless functionality and strategic oversight. 

At a multi-national US shipping and receiving company, for instance, AI is already transforming warehouse operations, with robotics taking over many tasks once done manually. As AI continues to advance, similar scenarios will unfold across various industries. This means that companies need to start preparing their workforce now. It’s not just about surviving the changes; it’s about thriving alongside them. 

Organizations should invest in training programs, reduce reliance on outdated roles, and focus on how to unleash the potential for creativity and strategic thinking among their employees. Creativity and strategic thinking are the skills that will set humans apart in an AI-dominated world. Companies that fail to do this risk falling behind in technology and at the core of what makes their business run: their people. 

An opportunity and a challenge 

The convergence of AI and OCM presents an opportunity for companies and a challenge for OCM consultants. Companies have an opportunity to reimagine their workforce and shape how AI technology is implemented and optimized. The challenge for OCM consultants is clear: Help organizations and employees navigate AI changes, reduce change fatigue, and ensure that the human element remains front and center in this new AI-focused era. In this rapidly evolving landscape, the key to success will be collaboration—not just between employees and AI—but between leadership, OCM experts, and the workforce. The future is coming fast, and how well we prepare for it now will determine how we thrive in the AI-powered world of tomorrow. 

Contact ChangeStaffing to learn more about how to navigate this AI-focused era with the power of organizational change management!  

Thank you to Bradie Speller for his thought leadership and for collaborating with us on this blog.  

Written by Kylette Harrison