3 Ways to Catch Up With AI So You Don’t Get Left Behind

AI is changing the way we work and the biggest shifts are still ahead. While many people already use AI tools at work, experts say what we’ve seen so far is just the beginning. 

If you’re not actively preparing, there’s a real chance you and your team could fall behind. Recent research shows that 80% of professionals believe AI will have a big impact on their work in the next few years. 

Almost 40% expect major changes to hit their workplaces this year alone. These aren’t just tech people, doctors, lawyers, marketers, customer service reps, everyone’s job is being reshaped.

So how can you stay ahead? Here are three practical ways to catch up with AI now, before it’s too late.

Make AI tools easy to access

The first step is making sure AI isn’t limited to just a few experts in your company. Everyone from the intern to the manager should have access to useful AI tools that match their roles.

A growing number of companies are already investing in AI tools that help with writing, data analysis, scheduling, and more. But buying tools isn’t enough. People need to actually use them and understand what they can do.

When leaders use AI themselves, it sends a powerful message. Teams are 1.7 times more likely to benefit from AI when the people at the top lead by example. 

If your company is still unsure where to start, begin by asking a simple question: What tasks do people spend too much time on and how can AI help?

Don’t keep good ideas to yourself

In many workplaces, there are already people using AI in creative, effective ways. The problem? Those ideas often stay trapped in small teams or departments.

The solution is simple: share best practices. If someone in your company uses AI to speed up document reviews or generate customer replies faster, let others learn from it. Create spaces, physical or digital, where people can talk about what’s working and what’s not.

This isn’t just about saving time. It’s about building confidence. When staff see others using AI successfully, they’re more likely to try it too. And when companies work together across teams and roles, they move forward faster.

Talk to people outside your company

Catching up with AI doesn’t mean doing everything alone. Some of the best ideas might come from outside your own walls. Business leaders who talk to their peers are four times more likely to see clear benefits from AI.

Whether it’s industry meetups, LinkedIn groups, or virtual events, make it a habit to ask others what they’re trying and what’s working for them. You don’t need to copy everything, but these conversations can give you fresh ideas and help you avoid mistakes.

And if your company doesn’t yet have a clear AI plan, this is even more important. The sooner you connect with others who are further along, the faster you’ll learn what really matters.