Embedding workers’ voices in AI strategy, governance, and implementation
Client
University of Technology Sydney, Human Technology Institute
Timeframe
December 2024 - April 2025
Role
Principal, Lead Researcher
Engagement
Literature review, desk research
Objective
To create an actionable framework that helps corporate leaders engage staff at all stages of the AI journey, ensuring ethical, effective, and widely supported adoption of AI solutions.
Methodology
I worked with the University of Technology Sydney’s Human Technology Institute (HTI) to develop a practical guide designed to help organisations meaningfully engage workers in the design, governance, and implementation of AI systems. Through a suite of strategic engagement methods, explained in the report, we help organisations involve workers throughout the AI lifecycle.
Phase 1: We conducted desk research to surface case studies from across government and industry, identifying the conditions and outcomes of effective worker engagement on AI.
Phase 2: We created four adaptable engagement templates — dialogic interviews, reflexive surveys, collective brainstorming, and co-design workshops; each strategically aligned to different AI program phases (strategy, design, and implementation).
Outcome
We delivered a report that equips corporate leaders with a practical, strategic framework for engaging workers throughout the AI lifecycle. Rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all approach, we offer adaptable methods that can be tailored to organisations’ culture, readiness, and goals. The value lies in moving beyond compliance-driven or symbolic engagement to approaches that genuinely surface worker insights, build trust, and ensure AI solutions are fit for purpose.
By following the guidance in our report, leaders avoid costly missteps such as poor adoption, mistrust, or misaligned AI systems. Instead, they’re empowered to foster stronger buy-in, improve AI effectiveness, and unlock the productivity, performance, and innovation benefits that AI promises, all while strengthening organisational culture and governance.
