The promise and influence of artificial intelligence in the workplace is no longer theoretical. AI tools streamline processes, generate content, and surface insights at unprecedented speed. But for some professionals, the potential of AI can feel out of reach. Not because of technology limitations, but because they haven’t been taught how to use it.
AI PCs are poised to change that. These next-gen devices are equipped with on-device AI optimization, natural language models, and smart workflows integrated into the OS. All massive productivity enhancers are redefining what digital work looks like. Employees will be able to learn a new skill set and gain more understanding of how to collaborate with AI in ways that are intuitive, secure, and efficient.
The skills gap isn’t what you think
For all the talk of an “AI skills gap,” the issue isn’t necessarily technical. The gap boils down to comfort, understanding context, and gaining confidence. Workers don’t need to become data scientists. They do, however, need to understand how to interact with AI tools, review and evaluate outputs, and deploy them across their workflow.
We caught up with Tom Butler, Vice President of Commercial Product and Portfolio Management at Lenovo, and he emphasized that the biggest hurdle isn’t interest, it’s speed. “Technology is advancing faster than workforce skills are evolving,” Butler said. And it’s leaving organizations scrambling to keep employees up to speed while the tools continue to change.
The answer? Shift the focus. Instead of upskilling for the biggest and brightest new “shiny object,” businesses should instead prioritize what Butler calls “everyday digital fluency.” This includes:
- Prompting with purpose: Crafting clear, outcome-focused requests.
- Data awareness: Knowing how AI models are trained and what they need to produce trustworthy outputs.
- Security literacy: Understanding when data stays local and how hybrid AI environments work.
Developing these skills across an organization would transform AI from a black box into a force multiplier. And when those skills are paired with hardware designed for AI from the ground up, the sky is the limit.
What makes an AI PC different?
Rather than relying solely on cloud processing like traditional devices, AI PCs shift power to the edge. On-device AI means models run locally which gives users faster, and more private, interactions. This might sound like a marginal improvement, but generating creative content on the fly, surfacing customer insights during a sales call, or reviewing patient documentation mid-shift make all the difference.
Lenovo’s ThinkPad portfolio, for example, includes neural processing units (NPUs) that help power tools such as real-time language translation, meeting summaries, image enhancements, and more. Users’ interactions with the device are also changing. There’s less reliance on navigating menus or learning new apps. Instead, users engage with AI PCs through natural language and intent-based workflows. Ask a question, make a request, and let the system do the heavy lifting.
From digital tools to digital judgment
Of course, with greater autonomy comes greater responsibility. Generative models are powerful, but not always precise. Spotting hallucinations, checking for bias, and knowing when to tap the brakes is what separates effective AI users from the overwhelmed.
Butler refers to this as “digital judgment,” which is core to effectively using AI. That kind of thinking is quickly becoming a baseline competency. And the good news? It can be taught.
Scenario-based training, where employees interact with AI tools and dissect the results, can be one approach. Alternatively, an organization could embed AI interactions in familiar tools like word processors and presentation software. The key is visibility and repetition: show users how AI fits into the work they already do, which will build confidence over time.
Workflows are changing. Skill sets should too.
As the shift to AI PCs happens, it’s a signal that the way we work is changing, again. Tech-savvy workers are no longer limited to set processes or static tools. With AI embedded into the device, they can start shaping their own workflows, connecting automation chains, and streamlining repetitive tasks in ways that would’ve required a developer just a few years ago.
This creates room for a new class of professionals, what Butler calls “AI champions.” These aren’t engineers or IT admins. They’re employees who understand the business and have gained the ability to apply AI in practical, day-to-day settings. Think of them as translators that bridge the gap between what’s possible and what’s actually helpful.
Organizations that invest in these internal advocates through early training access, mentorship programs, or collaborative sandbox environments gain more than operational efficiency. They build resilience. They future-proof their teams against the next wave of change.
Cultural buy-in beats technical rollout
It’s easy to focus on the tech. But as many companies have learned the hard way, successful AI adoption extends beyond implementation and really comes down to trust.
When employees are encouraged to experiment, given transparency into how models work, and offered a safety net to ask questions or flag concerns, organizations will see adoption accelerate. Lenovo’s own rollout strategy focuses on creating psychological safety alongside technical training.
And it’s working. As AI becomes more embedded in familiar tools, fears are giving way to curiosity. What started as “Will this replace me?” is turning into “How can this help me do more?” And that’s where the magic lies.
The road ahead isn’t just faster — it’s smarter
Looking forward, organizations will need to go beyond training sessions and consider the infrastructure of intelligence. This includes:
- Embedding responsible AI frameworks in policy and design
- Building accessible feedback loops for AI tool performance
- Creating cross-functional roles for AI oversight and strategy
As Butler puts it, “Success in this era will depend less on the technology itself and more on how organizations prepare their people to use it effectively.” AI PCs might be the gateway, but it’s the culture around them that unlocks real transformation.
The businesses that thrive in this new era will be the ones that treat AI not as an overlay, but as an opportunity to rethink their workflows, develop workers’ new skills, and engage each of them as collaborators.
With the right tools and a strong commitment to upskilling, organizations can turn uncertainty in the age of AI into capability that drives their competitive edge.
Learn more about how Lenovo’s AI PCs are empowering teams to build the skills needed to thrive in the AI era.