Businesses explore how to onboard a new GenAI employee

AI has been around for many years now but with the rise of well known agents like ChatGPT and Claude, the new Generative AI (GenAI) offers businesses the opportunity to create new, original content with human-like intelligence.

In November, Kingston Council partnered with Kingston University and Unilever UK to deliver a deep dive session on how, in an increasingly AIdriven society, large employers are adopting GenAI into their organisation's strategy and empowering employees to use it ethically and innovatively. The session included an in depth case study by Unilever UK showcasing how they are leading the way in adopting artificial intelligence and digital technologies into its operations. The event gave attendees key insights into how AI is playing a significant role in Unilever’s efforts to develop faster and smarter ways of working and innovating.

It also looked at the challenges Unilever faced in boosting employee engagement amid rapid digital transformation and how they are initiating training programs that equip staff with the skills to leverage GenAI effectively. Not only bridging the gap between technology and human capability but also empowering employees to become active participants in their development and removing the fears and perceived threats associated with GenAI adoption.

Discussions therefore focused on how leaders not only get to grips with the technical advances that AI can offer but also how they manage GenAI as an additional ‘employee’ in the workplace, ensuring it is managed and integrated within teams and that regulation and good practice systems are in place to guide its use.

As a borough, we are keen to support employers to maximise on the potential for AI through knowledge sharing both from each other as well as with support from our Higher Education partners. We will continue this into 2025 and share best practice with our wider business community, if you have any thoughts on this or would like to hear more about the project get in touch at business@kingston.gov.uk