As Australia marks AI Month, a new course from NIDA Corporate Training aims to address the diminution of human connection in the modern workplace

The customisable course aims to address the concerning decline of human connection and communication in the workplace, following the evolution and profound changes in the ways in which we work, and the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI).

“From WFH to professional messaging apps to using generative AI, our workplaces are changing rapidly.” said Terri Martin, Head of NIDA Corporate Training,”

“It is becoming increasingly evident that communication skills, such as impromptu face-to-face conversations, picking up the phone to solve a problem, and even running a successful team meeting “IRL”, are diminishing in the workplace,”

“We’ve seen that AI can bring great benefit to businesses, but there is a risk to people, productivity and profits if a people-first culture is not cultivated,” Martin said

A 2023 CSIRO report suggests 91% of Australian businesses have already or are planning on implementing AI technologies by the end of this year. They estimate that by 2030, digital innovations incorporating AI could contribute $315 billion to Australia’s GDP.

As AI grows, so should time and investment in people. As reported in Harvard Business Review, studies have consistently shown that employees “who feel socially connected and emotionally fulfilled at work are more engaged, productive, and committed” to their employer.

As a result, they are “more likely to collaborate, innovate, and go above and beyond in their roles”. A disconnected workforce lends itself to greater absenteeism and turnover which comes at a significant financial cost to a business and its bottom line. 

One study suggests that using AI at work makes us lonelier and less healthy. At a time when businesses are aiming to remain competitive by adopting new tech, a 2023 academic study highlights the increasing value amongst business leaders of soft skills training in the AI era.

“Soft skill development – i.e. effective communication, leadership, interpersonal skills – in the workplace is more important than ever,”

“As businesses navigate implementing change and addressing concerns, human communication is going to be imperative to bring teams on the journey of AI,” continues Martin.

“There is nothing more powerful than the way in which a person uses their physical presence including their body, voice and  language skills in the workplace,”

“These skills can make a significant difference to how a person can lead and empower a team during change; as well as more broadly, pitch a business idea; navigate a sensitive issue with a colleague; or even negotiate a big deal.”

Prominent Australian business leader and HR expert, investor, former Shark Tank judge and author of ‘Flourish & Prosper’, Andrew Banks comments:

“I’ve seen first hand how AI is disrupting the way in which we work, and most people can expect it to impact their job function significantly in the next 5 years.  With this, strong communication skills are going to have greater currency and value in the workplace.

“Whilst I see companies spending big to try and get AI-driven processes and efficiencies in place, it’s the ones that embrace and encourage a culture of open communication and connectivity – offline and online – among its workforce, that will perform best in this competitive new world. Effective communication is the universal solvent.”

Available from February 2025, NIDA’s new How to Be Human course will help team members master essential soft skills to nurture interpersonal and influential professional relationships, and communicate and connect effectively with others – the skills needed to drive AI most effectively.

As one of NIDA Corporate Training’s customisable programs, the course is tailored to each participating team’s needs. Participants learn how to address specific communication challenges while aligning with the team’s and organisation’s business goals.

Course elements include:

• Challenging and improving outdated communication habits to achieve better outcomes with colleagues.
• Enhancing each team member’s personal presence.
• Developing techniques to build authentic rapport with others.
• Harnessing voice and body language to communicate effectively and influence with stakeholders.
• Practical techniques to shift audience perspectives and improve interaction outcomes.

“Communication breakdowns between colleagues – including in those micro moments – can cause some of the biggest problems for teams, such as toxic workplaces, low employee morale, and issues with hiring and retention,”

“The game-changer is a workplace that champions open, clear, and authentic communication, with a focus on connection and professional development. When it comes to harnessing the power of human storytelling, there’s no one better than NIDA,” says Martin.

To register interest, go to https://www.corporate.nida.edu.au/how-to-be-human/ by 1 December 2024.