Why Culture and AI Are the Ultimate Power Couple

Did you ever read A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens? That is a book that was required reading back in the day. On a side note, I always found it interesting that Charles was paid by word back then which explains some of his style. The contrast of comparison stuck with me decades later as I’m seeing a similar theme between companies being played out now.

In today’s fast-changing workplace, there’s a widening gap between companies stuck in old ways of working and those embracing a brighter, more innovative future. I often refer to this as the Great Divide. Let me tell you a story—a tale of two companies—where one chose to stay the course, and the other transformed into a purpose-driven powerhouse.

Company A: The Stress Factory

At Company A, the air is heavy with exhaustion. Employees are buried in endless tasks, often working late nights to keep up. Communication is minimal, and trust between teams and leadership is practically non-existent. While AI tools could alleviate some of the burdens, leaders are too focused on short-term fixes to even consider introducing them—or worse, they fear AI will make things worse. They may realize it’s important to start to integrate AI and are letting teams figure it out themselves, leading to even more overwhelm as something as daunting as AI implementation is added to their already heavy workload.

Stress is at an all-time high. According to the American Institute of Stress, workplace stress costs businesses over $300 billion annually in absenteeism, turnover, and decreased productivity. At Company A, employees are burning out, loyalty is dwindling, and the company’s performance is slipping.

Company B: The Purpose-Driven Powerhouse

Now, let’s step into Company B. Here, the energy is completely different. Leadership has taken the time to define a clear strategy for integrating AI—not to replace people but to empower them, to free up their time from the boring mundane tasks that take a lot of time. They’ve invested in upskilling their team, ensuring everyone feels confident in navigating new technologies. But they didn’t stop there. They’ve also prioritized fostering a culture of trust, purpose, well-being and continuous learning.

The results? Employees at Company B are not only thriving but are highly engaged and loyal. Stress levels have dropped, collaboration has soared, and innovation is flourishing. The people are happier and smiling more as they are spending much of their time on the tasks that give them energy versus draining their energy. These leaders understand that when people feel cared for and supported, they show up fully—bringing creativity, energy, and heart to their work.

Why Culture and AI Go Hand in Hand

The truth is, AI alone isn’t the magic bullet. It’s the culture surrounding it that makes all the difference. A healthy, purpose-driven culture creates an environment where AI tools are seen as allies, not threats. Employees feel safe, trusted, and empowered to learn and adapt. And that’s critical, especially when you consider the future of work.

It has been predicted that while 85 million jobs may be displaced by automation by 2025, 97 million new roles will emerge—roles requiring creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. Companies that proactively upskill their people will not only navigate this transition but thrive in it.

The Secret Sauce: Treating People Well

Let’s not forget the core ingredient in all of this: treating people well. When leaders focus on reducing stress, overwhelm, and burnout, they create an environment where employees feel safe and supported. In fact, studies show that companies with highly engaged employees see a 23% increase in profitability and a 41% reduction in absenteeism.

Creating this type of culture requires intentionality. It means prioritizing mental well-being, fostering open communication, and making it clear that people come first. This approach doesn’t just improve the bottom line—it builds loyalty, trust, and a sense of belonging that’s irreplaceable.

Your Opportunity to Lead the Charge

So, where does your company fall in this story? Are you stuck in the grind like Company A, or are you ready to create a thriving, AI-savvy culture like Company B? Or perhaps somewhere in between? We are all on a journey right now. The choice is yours, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Embracing AI thoughtfully and cultivating a caring, trust-filled environment can set your company up for success—not just for today but for years to come.

The great news? You don’t have to do it alone. Evoloshen’s new Building an AI Savvy Culture program is designed to help leaders like you navigate this transition, empowering your team to embrace AI while fostering a culture that puts people first.

Let’s make 2025 the year your company becomes the next purpose-driven powerhouse.