If only sports cars had been invented, but not traffic signals or speed limits.

Artificial intelligence is more and more present at the workplace. But the much-needed “rules of the road” governing its deployment and use are slower to follow.

Employees notice. According to a recent employee survey by CYPHER Learning, Bridging the AI ​​digital divide69% believe that clearer guidelines are needed regarding the use of AI in their workplaces.

AI adoption is only accelerating, so HR leaders may find themselves tasked with developing a clear and effective AI policy framework.

Related: 4 out of 5 employees want to learn how to use artificial intelligence at work, new research shows – and it's up to managers to teach them. Here's how.

Why an AI policy framework matters

It is likely to deliver clear business value. Example from recent times POLITICO AI & Tech Summit: Kevin Czinger, CEO of Divergent Vehicles and Czinger, stated that it can help American manufacturers overcome the world – provided that the government and business develop clear policies.

“The most important thing is – don't repeat the failures of the last 20 years,” says Czinger.

C-suite leaders should be eager for policies that not only drive AI productivity, but reduce risk—by acknowledging the new and unknown complexity of AI, supporting compliance with legal and ethical standards, and promoting faith.

Those sports cars are roaring outside the showroom. Here are seven tips to help you set up traffic signals.

1. Assessment of needs

Drafting your AI policy before you understand your organization's specific needs is a misguided approach that rarely pays off. Conduct your own internal surveys and focus groups. Gather the employees' unique concerns and expectations.

You are likely to discover concerns. Learning CYFER found 45% of workers believe AI will affect job security. Do not dismiss such alerts. A good assessment will identify areas where AI guidance is particularly needed.

2. Clear objectives

What is AI for, anyway? Your AI policy should articulate clear objectives that align with business goals. If your organization intends to increase productivitydescribe how AI is expected to help and address potential risks.

Clearly defined objectives help employees see the business rationale for AI. They'll also set you apart from organizations that talk a big AI game, set up vague tasks within “AI centers of excellence,” but fall short of clarity.

3. Ethical considerations

New AI technologies raise ethical questions about data privacy, bias, accuracy and accountability. All can challenge the user's trust. Develop guidelines for ethical use of AIincluding:

• Transparency: The working of AI algorithms and decision-making processes must be well understood.
• Justice: Implement measures to monitor for signs of bias in AI systems, particularly in hiring and personnel evaluations.
• accountability: Name the parties responsible for AI results. Clarify that no AI implementation will be allowed to stand alone, independent of human oversight. Determine the key judgments or decisions you will make NO be delegated to AI.

With these steps, HR can increase organizational trust in AI.

Related: How to implement ethical AI practices in your company

4. Training and resources

Whether AI helps your organization or has a neutral impact depends in part on how well its implementers understand it. Training sessions can familiarize employees with their AI tools, their natural capabilities and limitations, and ethical guardrails. Create:

• AI Literacy Workshops to demystify AI and present a balanced view of the technology.
• training IN data privacy and security measures.
• Updates to come about new AI developments.

The deployment of AI in the workplace has few precedents. Employee training improves the chances that your workforce will adapt to AI productively and responsively.

5. Feedback cycle

Your AI policy should react to events, pleasant and otherwise, and evolve in line with organizational needs and the technology itself. Place one feedback loop — channels such as regular checks, anonymous surveys or open forums where employees share experiences and voice concerns.

Use feedback to spur learning moments and expose new challenges. Challenges, in particular, should be brought out into the sunlight for consideration, not buried in unread meeting minutes.

6. Compliance and Regulatory Standards

AI policies must be aligned with legal and regulatory frameworks inside and outside your organization. Some of these frameworks are just coming into focus, so keep an eye out for new laws covering data protection, employment practices and the use of AI. This practice should not only reduce legal risk, but give employees confidence that you are looking out for their rights and privacy.

7. Innovation and cooperation

As concerns decrease and trust increases, encourage an organizational culture that embraces AI as a tool for innovation, used with transparency and accountability. Promote collaborative projects that involve employees in AI development, such as pilot programs or brainstorming sessions for AI applications. Involving employees in such initiatives can foster a sense of ownership and further mitigate resistance.

Related: 3 Ways to Succeed in the Rapidly Changing Artificial Intelligence Landscape

Implementation of the policy framework

Once the AI ​​policy framework is developed, it is essential to implement it effectively. Some strategies for a successful presentation:

• Buying leadership: Do everything you can to get senior management to approve the AI ​​policy. High-profile vocal beliefs can significantly influence employee acceptance.
• Communication strategy: Communicate policy with all hands through emails, intranet posts and town hall meetings. Use real-world examples to illustrate the importance and benefits of the policy.
• Monitoring and evaluation: Establish metrics to assess AI policy effectiveness over time. Track deviations from policy standards and work to see why they occurred. Regular assessments can identify areas for improvement.

As AI reshapes more work environments, HR professionals can play a key role in leading organizations toward responsible and ethical use of AI. A comprehensive AI policy framework from HR can reduce employee concerns, promote transparency, and increase the chances that organizational AI investments will succeed—increasing productivity and driving innovation.

Our CYPHER Learning survey found 69% of workers want this type of clear and actionable guidance. So it's time for HR leaders to get involved. Embrace the challenge! Create a policy framework that benefits the organization and helps employees thrive alongside AI. You will shape the future of work yourself.