How can the potential of AI be maximized in the Belgian workforce?

For Belgian enterprises to fully exploit the capabilities of AI, it is vital to concentrate on pragmatic, experiential learning.

Belgian business leaders recognize the vast potential of artificial intelligence to enhance products, services, and profit margins. Beyond commercial applications, there is a growing appreciation for AI's role in improving internal operations, including operational excellence and the training and development of employees. The tight labor market and the high cost of resources have driven many companies to explore AI solutions for functions such as personnel planning and payroll administration.

Importance of hands-on AI training

Effective AI implementation requires comprehensive training for employees. Studies, including those by Harvard Business School, demonstrate that technology is best learned through practical application – 70% of training should be on-the-job. As AI evolves rapidly, businesses must adapt their processes and structures accordingly. Leaders who fail to proactively integrate AI into their business models risk falling behind their competitors.

The EY European AI Barometer 2024 highlights a critical gap: while most employees believe in AI's benefits, only a small percentage report its practical implementation within their companies. For instance, while 90% of employees see the benefits of generative AI (GenAI), only 23% use it to automate repetitive tasks, and a mere 18% use it for routine activities like composing emails. Moreover, 59% of employees note that AI adoption in their organizations is slow.
 

Ambition in AI integration and training

CEOs must be ambitious in pursuing AI integration across their businesses. The EY Work Reimagined 2023 survey reveals a disconnect between positive expectations and actual implementation. While 33% of respondents anticipate improved productivity through AI, and 44% foresee new, flexible working arrangements, these groups often view GenAI training as a low priority. However, Harvard Business School research shows that GenAI training significantly boosts productivity, even for complex tasks, compared to using GenAI without training.
 

Discrepancy in training perceptions

Belgium ranks reasonably high in AI self-education, with 46% of Belgians engaging in AI self-education either privately, professionally, or both. This is higher than many neighboring countries, though still trailing behind nations like Spain, Italy, and Switzerland, where self-education rates are up to 60%. Despite this willingness to learn, more than eight out of ten Belgian employees state that their company does not provide sufficient help or training to work with AI. This starkly contrasts with the perception among managers, with 56.1% of Belgian managers believing their employees have already received adequate training. This discrepancy underscores the need for improved AI training and better alignment between employee needs and managerial perceptions.

Employees express a clear preference for more live training sessions and online courses to prepare for the AI transformation process. According to the EY European AI Barometer 2024, 43% of employees in Western Europe prefer live trainings and workshops, while 38.2% favor online courses. 

Leveraging HR analytics and digital technologies

Modern HR teams have access to extensive data through tools like Microsoft Viva Insights, which can analyze digital work behaviors based on over 150 metrics. Advanced analytics can transform this data into actionable insights, such as predicting long-term absenteeism or resignation risks. Consequently, analytics and digital technologies are becoming indispensable for contemporary HR leaders.
 

Democratizing AI innovation

Applications like ChatGPT democratize access to cutting-edge GenAI technology, shortening the time from idea to commercialization to about 18 months. The competitive advantage now lies not just in having the best data scientists but in innovating business models effectively. This requires a balanced framework that considers technological maturity, ethical dimensions (e.g., addressing AI bias), and regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR and the EU AI Act).
 

Conclusion

To harness AI's full potential, Belgian companies must focus on practical, hands-on training and ensure comprehensive AI integration across all business areas. By doing so, they can stay competitive, innovate effectively, and leverage AI to its fullest potential in both internal operations and market offerings.