7 Tips on Encouraging Your Workforce to Use Gen AI

Improving AI skills is a growing priority for independent contractors, with 74% saying that ongoing Gen AI training is important, according to MBO’s research. As companies use advanced technologies like Gen AI to boost productivity and spark innovation, it’s essential to keep your team engaged and excited about the possibilities.

Introducing AI tools can be a challenge—especially if independent contractors or other team members aren’t sure how these tools will affect their day-to-day work. To make the transition smoother and build a positive mindset around AI, clear communication and structured support are key. Below are strategies to help your workforce embrace Gen AI and get real value from it.

1. Show Clear Benefits

For your team to fully adopt Gen AI, the benefits must be obvious and relevant to their work. Make it clear how AI can save time, streamline decisions, and boost creativity. Whenever possible, highlight how it simplifies tasks and improves efficiency.

If AI helps automate repetitive tasks, explain how that creates space for more meaningful work. Use data or analytics to demonstrate how AI supports faster, smarter decisions. The more your team sees AI as a helpful tool, the more likely they are to use it.

See: 6 Ways to Help Your Workforce Make the Most of AI

2. Start Small and Build Confidence

Rolling out Gen AI across the board can feel overwhelming. A better path is to begin with simple, high-value tasks—like using AI for scheduling or drafting basic documents.

Then, introduce more advanced tools for content creation or data analysis as your team builds comfort. This step-by-step rollout helps prevent overload and encourages steady, confident adoption.

3. Lead by Example

Leadership plays a big role in successful AI adoption. Companies that use Gen AI tools internally and talk openly about their experiences send a clear signal to their teams.

Be sure to encourage leaders to share how they’re using AI in meetings or internal updates. When your team sees management embracing these tools, they’re more likely to see the value themselves.

Discover: How Is Artificial Intelligence Impacting Independent Work?

4. Develop a Collaborative AI Environment

For AI to feel like an asset—not a threat—it needs to be integrated into team culture. Encourage contractors to explore AI tools together and use them in shared tasks.

You might try incorporating AI into group projects or brainstorming sessions to show how it can spark ideas and enhance teamwork. This kind of hands-on use builds comfort and curiosity.

5. Address Questions and Concerns Openly

It’s natural for people to feel uneasy about AI—especially when it comes to job security or data privacy. Open, honest conversations can help ease those fears.

Be transparent about how AI will be used, what it won’t replace, and how privacy will be protected. Position AI as a support system that handles repetitive tasks, giving your team more time to focus on high-value work.

Learn: Common Challenges That Companies Face When Implementing AI

6. Provide Hands-On Training and Ongoing Support

A major barrier to AI adoption is unfamiliarity. If your team doesn’t understand how Gen AI works or how it can help them, hesitation is normal. That’s why training matters.

We recommend offering live workshops, webinars, or short courses to explain the basics. Then follow up with user guides, troubleshooting tips, and access to an internal AI “champion” or mentor. Knowing support is available builds confidence and long-term success.

7. Recognize and Reward Engagement

To keep momentum strong, spotlight team members who are embracing AI. Share their success stories, showcase how they’ve integrated tools into their workflows, and celebrate creative use cases.

Public acknowledges, bonuses, or growth opportunities are all ways to help reinforce engagement. Recognition encourages others to get involved—and shows that AI adoption is valued.

Discover: How to Create a Successful Plan to Implement AI in Your Organization

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