Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the landscape of change management. As organisations navigate the complexities of change, AI offers powerful tools and capabilities that can enhance efficiency, improve communication, and drive successful outcomes. Drawing insights from over 200 change practitioners, Prosci has identified twelve key learnings about the use of AI in this field. These insights provide a comprehensive understanding of how AI is currently being utilised, the benefits it offers, and the challenges that need to be addressed to fully leverage its potential. Here is a summary of twelve key insights:

1. Familiarity with AI:

   • A significant majority (84%) of change practitioners are moderately to very familiar with AI, indicating a growing awareness and understanding of its potential.

2. Current Usage:

   • Despite high familiarity, only 48% of practitioners currently use AI in their change management work, highlighting an opportunity for broader adoption.

3. Operational Efficiency:

   • AI streamlines operations, allowing practitioners to focus on more strategic and people-centred aspects of change management. Automation and efficiency through AI manage operations effectively.

4. Enhanced Communication:

   • AI improves the coherence and alignment of communications with change goals, ensuring better understanding and acceptance among stakeholders. It assists in creating clear and impactful messaging.

5. Accelerated Problem-Solving:

   • AI facilitates faster access to relevant information, enhancing decision-making and problem resolution in change management initiatives. This leads to more effective problem-solving and quicker resolutions.

6. Improved Workload Management:

   • AI helps manage workloads by automating tedious tasks, allowing practitioners to concentrate on more valuable activities. This results in better management of workloads and optimisation of time.

7. Idea Generation:

   • AI aids in brainstorming and generating fresh ideas, providing alternative language and innovative solutions. It acts as a sounding board tool, facilitating the thinking process and increasing productivity.

8. Stakeholder Engagement:

   • AI can design change interventions tailored to individual preferences, ensuring employees receive the support they need in the most effective format. This fosters personalised engagement by monitoring and responding to stakeholder sentiments in real time.

9. Administrative Efficiency:

   • AI improves operational efficiency in managing administrative tasks, freeing up time for strategic change initiatives. This allows practitioners to focus on more strategic aspects of change management.

10. Crisis Planning:

    • AI enhances organisational resilience and preparedness, allowing for proactive crisis planning and mitigation. This improves the organisation's ability to plan for and respond to crises effectively.

11. Data Security Concerns:

    • Significant concerns around data security and privacy are barriers to AI adoption, emphasising the need for stringent data protection measures. Addressing these concerns is crucial for broader AI adoption.

12. Lack of Knowledge:

    • A lack of knowledge and uncertainty about AI’s applications are major barriers to adoption, highlighting the need for educational initiatives and training programmes. Increasing knowledge and understanding can help overcome these barriers.

The integration of AI into change management practices offers numerous benefits, from enhancing communication and operational efficiency to improving workload management and idea generation. However, challenges such as data security concerns and a lack of knowledge must be addressed to fully leverage AI’s potential. As AI continues to evolve, it’s crucial for change practitioners to stay informed and adapt to these emerging technologies to drive successful change initiatives.

Want to find out more about AI?

Watch our on-demand webinar on 'Early Insights, Applications, and Implications of Artificial Intelligence in Change Management'  at your own leisure; unpack the latest research findings about AI's applications and implications in change management. Hear how change practitioners are already using AI, reasons for not using AI in some change management work, and the exciting opportunities and concerns change professionals foresee with AI in the next two years.

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