Listening to your team is valuable before choosing tools, while testing ideas, and once AI is part of everyday work.
Simple and practical to ways encourage active participation include:
- being committed to involve your team early
- telling staff where AI may be used and what it means for their work
- explaining what choices are being made, why they are being made, and what’s changing
- showing how staff ideas and concerns are considered and acted on.
Create a supportive culture
Give your team a clear and safe way to share ideas or concerns about AI. People are more likely to speak up when they feel safe to share their concerns, enthusiasm and observations.
When people can raise ideas or issues without negative consequences, they tend to speak up earlier. Early input is easier to act on.
Capture feedback and close the loop
Closing the loop means showing how people’s input is considered and acted on. It builds confidence and helps them feel part of the change.
Use simple processes to capture, review and act on feedback. For example:
- a regular agenda item in team meetings
- an online suggestion space
- an ideas box
- a short monthly issues review.
Make it easy to speak up and easy to respond. Keep responses practical and predictable so people know what happens next.
Over time, honest and regular team engagement builds trust and improves how AI is used. It also involves people in shaping how AI delivers value for your organisation.
Why this matters
Good practice guidance on responsible AI highlights why people need to understand and influence how AI is used at work.
In many cases, involving your staff is not just good practice. Organisations are expected to consult staff when new technologies affect how they work, and may have obligations under workplace and work health and safety (WHS) laws, including where AI systems could create physical or psychosocial risks.
When staff feel enabled to share ideas and concerns early, it can improve decisions and outcomes for your organisation.