The Josh Bersin Company

AI Transformation From The Frontlines: Lessons Learned, Why Employees Are Worried

Mar 1, 2025

This discussion dives into the real-world impact of AI on productivity and employee anxiety. It highlights the rising tension between CEOs and their teams, stemming from concerns about job security amidst automation. The conversation also touches on the challenges of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, emphasizing the evolving dynamics of trust among employees. Additionally, it reflects on how new roles for HR leaders are emerging as they navigate these changes and what lessons we can draw from high-performing organizations.

20:40

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Quick takeaways

Companies must clearly define productivity goals before implementing AI changes to ensure alignment with overarching business objectives and effective resource investment.

Employee sentiment and trust in leadership are suffering due to socio-political pressures, necessitating a thoughtful approach to address workforce concerns while pursuing long-term goals.

Deep dives

The Drive for Productivity and Simplification

Many large organizations are currently focused on simplifying operations, reducing overhead, and improving productivity through AI integration. Businesses are motivated by various factors such as the need to grow faster, reduce expenses, or successfully complete mergers. It is crucial for companies to define their specific productivity goals before implementing sweeping changes, as different strategies can lead to divergent outcomes. A clear focus allows organizations to invest their resources effectively and ensures that productivity improvements align with their overarching business objectives.

Intro

6min

Navigating Organizational Change in an Era of Outsourcing and Innovation

4min

The Evolving Narrative of Inclusion and Employee Experience

2min

Navigating Employee Trust and the Challenges of AI Adoption

4min

Navigating Business Transformation in the Age of AI

3min

This week I summarize some of the hard-hitting AI transformation and productivity stories we’re hearing from clients, and I explain the various ways to approach these topics. I also discuss the surprising pushback on DEI and how workforce fear and stress has risen in our companies. All this leads to a new and important new role for HR leaders: driving and leading the push toward productivity and automation throughout the company.

And finally I try to give you some perspective on the Elon Musk DOGE work going on in Washington and how this impacts our business strategies.

Additional Information

Busting Bureaucracy: Are Layoffs The Only Way To Go?

New Research: Secrets Of The High Performing CHRO

Despite Political Firestorm, Diversity Investments Are Alive And Well

The Rise Of The Superworker: Delivering On The Promise of AI

Edelman Trust Barometer 2025

Resources For You

The Organization Design SuperClass (Josh Bersin Academy certificate program)

Elevating Equity: Comprehensive Certificate Program in The Josh Bersin Academy

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