‘My advice is simple: use it every day’: Here’s why this HR expert encourages employees to learn to use AI

As more Canadian businesses push to adopt AI and boost productivity, one HR expert is warning that many employees should be focusing on preparing to use this new tool effectively, as many report not using it for work at all. 

With several innovative technologies emerging over the last few months, the world has felt a major push for AI adoption. In Canada, the federal government unveiled its Canada’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy: AI for All earlier this summer, outlining strategies for the implementation of AI across the country, and several companies adopting the use of the technology in their processes.

However, the use of AI in the workplace remains a controversial discussion topic, as many worry the tool could replace human jobs and some even report feeling uncomfortable using it for work. 

A new report from payroll services platform ADP Canada has revealed that only 13 per cent of Canadian workers report using AI every day, while 22 per cent say they have not used it in the workplace at all. 

President of ADP Canada, Jim Lord, tells Now Toronto the results of the research are concerning, as organizations that fail to adopt AI in their processes might find themselves lagging behind. 

“Organizations that fail to build AI literacy risk falling behind competitively. Equally important, workers who don’t gain hands-on experience with AI today may find themselves less prepared for the jobs and skills that will define the future workplace,” he said. 

With the cost of living rising, and unemployment rates remaining high, especially among young professionals, the uncertainty of a new technology can be difficult to manage. 

However, rather than worrying about whether AI will take over their jobs, Lord suggests workers should invest themselves into learning the tools and prepare for the industry change, and companies should help their employees do so. 

‘Doesn’t replace human thinking’

According to Lord, rather than replacing human workers, AI can be helpful to expedite certain tasks and boost productivity.

The tools are capable of saving time on summarizing information, identifying patterns, automating workflows and reducing administrative burden, while allowing employees to focus on more creative or complex tasks.

“Learning how to use AI doesn’t mean replacing human thinking. It means understanding where the technology is effective and where human judgement remains essential,” Lord said. 

“As workers develop AI skills, they become better equipped to distinguish between tasks that can be accelerated by technology and those that still require creativity, empathy, critical thinking, and collaboration.”

In addition, Lord explains that human involvement and oversight still remains an essential part of the workflow, as it doesn’t replace human judgement, lived experience, accountability, and context to make certain decisions and perform certain tasks. 

“Take payroll and HR, for example. In Canada, employers must navigate complex federal and provincial requirements that impact employees directly. AI can help streamline processes and improve efficiency, but organizations still need experienced professionals to validate outcomes, ensure compliance, and exercise sound judgement,” he said. 

Companies should shift focus to employee preparedness

As AI adoption transforms from a possibility into reality, Lord said companies and HR professionals are starting to shift their focus from AI adoption to asking themselves whether their employees are prepared to use it effectively and responsibly. 

But as everyone tries to adapt to AI, the expert said organizations also need to take steps to make sure their employees have the opportunity to learn and adapt to the tool. This includes encouraging experimentation, sharing best practices, and creating opportunities to learn. 

“The future belongs not to organizations with the most AI tools, but to organizations with the most AI-capable people,” he said. “Canadian business leaders should make AI literacy a core workforce skill, similar to how computer literacy became essential a generation ago.”

Employees should learn to use AI

At the same time, employees should also put in the work in order to remain a competitive employee in the market. 

For individuals looking to adapt, the expert recommends spending time learning the tools and testing different applications, until they become confident putting them to use. 

“My advice is simple: use it every day,” he said. 

“The AI conversation in Canada shouldn’t be about replacing workers. It should be about empowering workers. For a country that has struggled with productivity growth for years, AI may be one of the biggest opportunities we’ve seen in a generation to help people accomplish more, innovate more, and create greater value.”