AI is Here — Is Your Workforce Ready?

AI is no longer just a buzzword — it’s here, and it’s reshaping industries at a rapid pace. As businesses embrace AI, employers that act quickly to support their workforce through this transformation will certainly be ahead of the game.

A recent Trucking HR Canada webinar, Leveraging AI for Trucking and Logistics HR, showcased how AI can streamline HR processes and boost efficiency. Attendees got to hear from three of Canada’s leading experts on AI and the workforce: Stephen Mill, President, Robert Half Talent Solutions; Adam Renkosinski, Director, AI Talent Initiatives & Analytics, Vector Institute; and Dr. Celia Richardson, Senior Principal – Talent & Organization, Human Potential, Accenture.

We heard that while there are many benefits, AI comes with challenges too. AI’s impact on job roles and operations could be significant; some studies suggest automation may eliminate up to 40% of certain jobs.

To retain top talent, organizations need to prepare their teams for change.

Here are four of my key takeaways from the session:

AI isn’t just about automating tasks. From customer service and marketing to financial operations and sales, AI offers opportunities to enhance productivity across business functions.

Yet, as roles evolve, supporting employees through these shifts is crucial.

One study found that 50% of workers would undergo training to stay in their current roles, while others may seek new opportunities elsewhere. Without a clear plan to manage this transition, organizations risk losing talent.

Foster trust: AI adoption starts with leadership. Build trust by being transparent about how AI will be used and how it will impact employees is a good start.

Communicate clearly: Transparency is key. Let employees know what’s coming, why it’s happening, and how it will benefit them can help reduce fear and uncertainty.

Invest in training: As new tools are implemented, staff will need to upskill. Offering accessible training to help staff stay relevant and engaged in the changing landscape will be a sound investment.

When employees are engaged early and supported with training, they are more likely to embrace AI.

Research shows that 80% of companies that use generative AI can adapt well and even reinvent their business models. This can lead to increased productivity, job satisfaction, and retention.

Fear and skepticism around AI are real, but they don’t have to derail progress. By being transparent and proactive, employers can build trust and create an environment where AI adoption is embraced, not feared.

The future is already here — AI is already part of the systems we use every day. Now is the time to prepare our workforce to take full advantage of its transformative potential.

Angela Splinter is CEO of Trucking HR Canada, a national, non-profit organization and the trusted source for labour market intelligence and advancing industry-leading HR solutions for our national trucking and logistics workforce. We collaborate, partner, and work with a dynamic national-provincial-territorial network, including industry associations, government, and industry professionals to ensure Canada’s freight transportation network has the skilled workforce required for today and into the future. Want more from THRC? Subscribe to our newsletter: www.truckinghr.com