What does employee participation in AI design actually mean?
The Power Shift discussion focused on people having a voice in how AI enters work, and a voice only counts when decisions are still open. Show employees the current problem before a finished solution, explain how much they can influence, and don't invite a vote on something already settled.
Describe the problem as it stands today. Ask employees about exceptions, hidden dependencies and the parts of the task they find difficult, and include the people who receive the output along with the people who produce it.
Be honest about the scope of their influence. Even when a platform has already been selected, they may be able to change the intake and review process, or the training plan.
Participants should see what changed
Take the design back to them and show what changed. Where you didn't follow a suggestion, give the reason and any remaining concern. Private feedback stays private unless the person agrees to be named.
Participation should leave a trace in the decisions, with more than a list of attendees. People contribute useful knowledge when they get a real question and can see their answer affect the work.