As businesses increasingly turn to artificial intelligence to enhance their operations, a notable gap has emerged in the training provided to employees. While many companies are integrating AI technology into their workflows, the majority are falling short in equipping their teams with the necessary skills to leverage these tools effectively. Recent surveys reveal that despite the growing presence of AI in the workplace, training at the contributor level remains scarce, raising questions about how organizations can truly harness the full potential of this transformative technology.
Citi is taking the lead in addressing this gap by mandating that most of its workforce participate in AI prompt training. Tim Ryan, the head of technology and business enablement at Citi, shared this initiative in a recent LinkedIn post, emphasizing the bank’s commitment to enhancing its proficiency with AI. This move is part of a broader trend among employers who recognize that simply adopting AI is not enough; they must also ensure that their employees are well-prepared to utilize these innovations effectively.
Citi’s Bold Training Initiative
– Citi is implementing mandatory AI prompt training for approximately 180,000 employees who have access to its AI tools.
– The training modules are customized based on the individual’s familiarity with AI prompting, with experts expected to complete the course in about 10 minutes, while beginners may take up to 30 minutes.
– Although participation in AI tasks is encouraged for improved productivity, it is not mandatory for employees.
This proactive approach is noteworthy, especially considering that Citi employees have already generated over 6.5 million prompts for the company’s AI platforms in 2025 alone.
The Rising Need for AI Training
A recent report from BambooHR highlights a critical issue: while a growing number of employers have adopted AI technologies, very few are providing the necessary training for their employees at the contributor level. This deficiency in training is expected to become more pronounced over the next five years, as AI continues to shape job roles and career development.
– Prompting, often referred to as prompt engineering, is essential for maximizing the benefits of generative AI, according to research from MIT’s Sloan School of Management.
– The university recommends several strategies for creating effective prompts:
– Provide clear context
– Include specific details
– Engage in a conversational manner by building on previous prompts
However, users must also be aware of AI’s limitations, including the potential for inaccuracies and biases.
AI’s Impact on Job Descriptions
Citi is among the U.S. banks experiencing rapid growth in AI talent, reflecting a wider trend in the industry. According to Indeed, a significant portion of tech workers—37%—have seen their job roles redefined or restructured due to the emergence of generative AI, with more than half reporting complete reassignments. These changes carry implications for both new entrants to the workforce and seasoned professionals alike.
– Around 15% of jobs in the U.S. are at risk of future automation, with many tasks already automated, based on a recent analysis by SHRM.
– Factors such as legal regulations, costs, and client preferences can influence the actual risk of job loss, indicating that automation’s impact is not uniform across all sectors.
Understanding AI’s Limitations
Employers must also recognize the boundaries of AI, particularly concerning its potential to enhance productivity. There is a growing concern about the negative effects AI adoption can have on employee mental health. As organizations navigate this complex landscape, fostering an understanding of both the benefits and drawbacks of AI will be essential for cultivating a supportive work environment.
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Passionate about analyzing economic markets, Alice M. Carter joined THE NORTHERN FORUM with a mission: to make financial concepts accessible to everyone. With over 10 years of experience in economic journalism, she specializes in global economic trends and US financial policies. She firmly believes that a better understanding of the economy is the key to a more informed future.
