As you’ve likely heard hundreds of times already, regardless of where you work or what you do, artificial intelligence is going to be a part of your future. The truth is that AI isn’t some distant reality. Whether it’s calendar and scheduling tools, voice-to-text software, the algorithm that suggests new movies on your favorite streaming platform, or the résumé review platform that screens your next job application, AI-powered tools and platforms are already deeply embedded in our lives and will only become more so.

There is a lot of chatter and concern about the threat that AI poses to workers and, according to some pundits, the human race as a whole. Regardless of your point of view on this, it’s clear that most of us are unprepared for AI and the changes it’s already creating.

So, what should employees know and do about AI? Below are a few tips for starting to understand what’s coming and finding ways to make AI work for you at work.

Realize that people you work with are likely using AI to do their jobs already. Most organizations do not yet have formal guidelines around the use of AI, but the widespread use of tools like ChatGTP indicate that it’s in heavy use across sectors and roles. Many people have quickly found that AI tools can offer a “productivity boost,” by eliminating the need to spend time on repetitive or lower-value tasks, such as scheduling meetings. It’s a good bet that people on your team and in your workplace are already using AI in some way.
Educate yourself. The field of AI and its applications is vast and constantly evolving. You don’t have to become an expert, but it’s a good idea to gain some knowledge about how AI might impact your field and, ultimately, your job. There are a number of ways to learn more, from taking a free course like MinnaLearn’s Elements of AI or one offered on LinkedIn or through an association or group connected to your particular role or sector.

Try it out. Many experts believe that in the very near future, facility with AI tools may be a job requirement, not just a cool way to gain efficiency. Learning how to leverage various AI tools to maximize your time and productivity—and sharing those learnings with others—can help position you as a leader and innovator on your team and in your organization. In addition to making a longer-term impact on your career, AI tools have the potential to truly make your job easier and save you time. Try out a few basic tools and see if there are simple ways you can incorporate AI into your day-to-day work. Tools to consider include ChatGTP, which can help you draft emails or reports or create Excel formulas, (always review and edit!); Otter.ai, which transcribes voice recordings; or GrammarlyGO, which can not only ensure that your work correspondence is polished and grammatically correct but also generate drafts for you.

Talk to your team and manager about AI and explore when it’s helpful and when it’s not. As you begin to experiment and learn more, talk to your colleagues and manager about what you’re learning and how it might be adapted in your workplace. AI may not be appropriate in many cases, and it’s always a good idea to let others know when you’re using it for tasks.

There’s no doubt that AI will change the way we live and work. To what degree, and how, are still unanswered questions. By taking the time to learn a little bit about some of the AI tools that many are already using in the workplace and incorporating them into your own work routines, you can gain some efficiencies while staying ahead of the curve.

Molly Brennan is founding partner at executive search firm Koya Partners, which is part of the Diversified Search Group, where she is also the Nonprofit and Social Impact Practice lead. A frequent contributor to Philanthropy News Digest and other publications, Brennan also authored The Governance Gap: Examining Diversity and Equity on Nonprofit Boards of Director.