Talking to your staff about AI · Volt26 Guides
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Talking to your staff about AI

If you've got staff, I'd put money on at least one of them already using ChatGPT for work. Usually on their phone, on a free account, without mentioning it because they're not sure they're allowed.

I don't think that's something to stamp out, but it's worth getting it out in the open.

Bring it up casually

A chat at smoko works better than an email with a policy attached. Ask who's tried it and what for. You'll learn more from that than from anything I can write here, and people relax once they realise they're not in trouble.

A one-page policy you can adapt

  • You're welcome to use AI tools for work. Let [name] know which ones.
  • For anything with customer details in it, use [tool] on the work account, not a personal free one.
  • Never paste in passwords, payment details or anything about another staff member.
  • You're responsible for what goes out, so read it before you send it.
  • If it's going to a customer, it should sound like us.
  • Not sure? Ask first.

The worry underneath

Some people will hear "AI" and think "replaced". Say plainly what you're hoping it takes off their plate and what you're not planning to change. If you don't know yet, say that too. It's better than leaving them to guess.