The Gusto Group AI pledge: Taking a fresh approach to AI
At a time when the headlines are dominated by stories of mass layoffs linked to AI adoption - Amazon, Microsoft, Business Insider, Fortune, Bumble to name just a few, there is understandably a huge amount of uncertainty surrounding AI.
But at Gusto Group, we don’t think that it needs to be this way. Instead, we believe that by taking a proactive and people-first approach to AI, it presents an exciting opportunity for growth and innovation.
As part of our approach, we have devised an 'AI pledge' for our 170 employees to sign, to affirm our commitment to embracing AI but also to retaining our people. The pledge outlines that whilst roles may change due to AI they will not be replaced. With the aim of providing reassurance to our workforce, whilst also being transparent about our future plans.
The Gusto Group Time
The pledge is part of our long-term strategy to upskill staff across all levels and departments, and to embrace technological advancements ensuring that they ‘enhance’ rather than replace human roles.
Our Chairman Steff Wright said: “With AI evolving at such a rapid pace, it is only natural that many employees feel uncertain about what the future holds for their roles. This is especially true of the sectors in which we operate.
“We launched the AI Pledge to directly address those concerns and provide reassurance. Our commitment is clear: people come first. It may sound cliched, but never has this been more important than now.
“By safeguarding jobs from the threat of automation, we are not just protecting livelihoods - we’re investing in the human talent that drives innovation and success both in the here and now and over the long-term.”
But we won’t be throwing our employees in at the deep end, instead we have been gradually rolling out AI training to ensure that employees fully understand the technology, how it might be useful for them and so that they feel empowered, included and valued. If we want to embrace AI as a business, it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone feels confident and comfortable in using it.
All Gusto Group employees with access to a computer have recently undergone AI training with David from The Consulting Room.
In return, we are asking for our employees’ patience, flexibility and trust as AI becomes integrated in the business. It is going to take time to refine our approach, and we will need everyone to be pulling in the same direction, supported by one another.
Steff adds: “This pledge sends a clear message to employees and the wider industry: the future of work must be built on trust, inclusion, and innovation – watch this space!”