The Rise of the AI-Empowered Worker
What if your top performers aren’t who you think they are?
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Happy Holidays,
One last article before I take a couple of weeks off.
This year has been a wild ride.
Yes, I've done a bit too much of everything.
But still.
It's a true blessing to do stuff people show up to and enjoy.
I've been sharing stuff around HR and digital things since 2010, and for the first 13 years or so, some people listened in, but still at a somewhat limited scale.
But the last two years have been 🤯 and this last year 🤯🤯.
All in all, 50,000+ people have watched a webinar I hosted.
1,500+ people have taken a course I've created.
Over 600,000+ people have read something I wrote.
I have partnered with and educated companies that I've never thought I would partner with.
I've been an advisor on AI adoption to CHRO:s around the world (!), and I have to pinch my arm to give THEM advice when many of them have had careers that started while I was still in Kindergarten (and I'm pretty old now).
And I've met so many marvellous HR people; there are so many forward-leaning, business-savvy HR people in the world.
So, from the bottom of my heart - thank you to everyone who has, in some shape or form, tuned in to watch a webinar or read something that I've shared.
So thank you!
But before we head out - let me talk about one last thing.
Let’s dive into something that’s not just a trend—it’s a workplace transformation that gained momentum in 2024 and will define not only HR bit workplaces in 2025. This isn’t just about tools or tech. It’s about people.
The AI-empowered workers who are reshaping what success looks like in the modern workplace.
These folks aren’t superheroes. They’re not pulling 12-hour days or drinking a gallon of coffee to stay productive. They’ve cracked the code of how to work smarter, not harder. And the secret? They’ve integrated generative AI into their daily grind.
A new kind of worker
A CHRO I know shared a story that perfectly sums up this shift.
She had two employees—let’s call them Emma and Lucas. I trained their HR-org on who to use GenAI almost two years ago. Emma and Lucas fully embraced the thought and the tools.
Before AI tools like ChatGPT came along, they were reliable, steady, and…well, a little ordinary. Solid contributors but not the ones lighting the place on fire.
Then ChatGPT entered the picture, and as said, Emma and Lucas leaned in. They used it to draft policies, streamline processes, and tackle projects at lightning speed. Today, they’re the stars of the team.
Hitting every milestone.
Solving problems no one else wants to touch.
Basically crushing it.
Now here’s the twist: the people who used to be her stars—let’s call them Sarah and James—haven’t adapted. They’ve resisted AI, and their output hasn’t kept pace. They’re still talented, but in a world where adaptability and innovation matter more than ever, they’ve become…average.
Emma and Lucas? AI-empowered workers.
They’re not just faster—they’re smarter about how they work.
And they’re showing us all what the future of high performance looks like.
And this isn’t limited to HR. The rise of the AI-empowered worker is happening in finance, marketing, product development—everywhere.
One CHRO told me she’s actively transitioning employees who won’t embrace AI. Her reasoning? "Having someone who uses GenAI is like hiring 1.5 people."
I’ve talked to multiple HR-people who are AI-savvy and consitently they are hitting every milestone, delivering high-quality work, and showing 3–4x the productivity of their peers.
And as said, it’s not only HR. Across every function, the AI-empowered worker is becoming the gold standard.
The bottom line? This isn’t just a cool trend. I think it’s a fundamental shift. Organizations that recognize and nurture these workers will thrive in 2025.
Why This Matters
Generative AI is rewriting the traditional rules of the workplace.
Success is no longer about seniority or technical expertise. It’s about adaptability and curiosity. It’s about embracing the tools that make us faster, smarter, and better.
But here’s the challenge: many AI-empowered workers are flying under the radar. In some organizations, AI usage is still seen as a shortcut or even a liability. That kind of culture stifles innovation and holds teams back.
2025 is the year this needs to change. Organizations need to create environments where AI isn’t just tolerated—it’s celebrated.
How to Stay Ahead
If you’re serious about thriving as an organization in 2025, here’s what I recommend:
For CHROs and Leaders
Spot your AI-empowered workers
Who’s solving problems faster? Who’s consistently innovating? Look for the Emma and Lucas on your team. Recognize them. Nurture them. They’re leading the charge.Create a culture of sharing
AI isn’t just an individual productivity boost—it’s a team sport. Encourage your AI pioneers to teach others. Host workshops, casual Q&A sessions, or even informal "AI happy hours" where they can share their secrets.Redefine performance metrics
Let’s face it: AI proficiency is a superpower. It’s time to start recognizing and rewarding it in your performance reviews.
Normalize the conversation
Stop treating AI like it’s a secret weapon. Talk about it openly. Share best practices. Empower employees to explore and experiment without fear.
For HR Professionals (or people in general)
Thinking, “How do I get on this AI-empowered worker train?”
Here’s where to start:
Get your hands dirty
Dive into AI tools like ChatGPT. Use them for drafting policies, analyzing data, or writing job ads. The more you practice, the more you’ll see what’s possible.Learn how to prompt
A great place to start is my free Prompt School. It’s designed specifically for HR professionals and will teach you how to craft prompts that unlock AI’s full potential. It’s quick, fun, and insanely practical.Adopt a growth mindset
AI isn’t replacing you—it’s helping you level up. Embrace the tools. Experiment. Look for ways to work smarter, not harder.
What’s Next?
The rise of the AI-empowered worker isn’t just another trend—it’s the transformation of how we work.
If you’re a leader, your responsibility is clear: foster environments where these professionals can thrive. Provide them with the tools, support, and recognition they need—and create pathways for others to join them.
And if you’re an individual looking to elevate your game? Start now. The tools are here, and the opportunity is yours.
Your Turn: What’s your take? Should AI proficiency be a core skill for HR professionals? Are you already seeing this trend in your workplace?
Let’s talk—drop your thoughts in the comments.
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