Closing the Gap: How Women Can Embrace AI in the Workplace

In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace is transforming daily tasks, women face both challenges and opportunities to redefine their roles. 

In a 2023 report from Charter, female respondents (35%) were less likely than male respondents (48%) to be using generative AI (GenAI) tools in their jobs. If that GenAI adoption rate continues, women could be disproportionately disadvantaged by workplace uses of AI and automation.

Why is that, and what impact does it have on women’s careers?

For some, AI at work enhances productivity and supports work-life balance; for others, it adds complexities as automation reshapes traditionally female-dominated fields. By embracing AI, women have the chance to expand their skills, break down stereotypes, and add unique value in today’s digital age.

In this article, we’ll cover practical strategies to foster inclusive AI adoption, creating workplaces where women can thrive and lead.

What is AI, and how can it transform the workplace?

AI refers to systems designed to mimic human intelligence, performing tasks like language processing, pattern recognition, and decision-making. AI “learns” and adapts over time by processing large sets of data. “From writing emails to blogs or reports, AI tools can save you hours and produce better results,” says Renee Fry, co-founder and CEO of Gentreo.

AI transforms industries by streamlining tasks. In healthcare, it assists with diagnoses; in finance, it detects fraud and manages risks; in retail, it forecasts inventory and enhances customer experiences. GenAI also supports creative work, from drafting content to creating images. With its rapid growth, AI in the workplace is becoming essential across sectors.

Impact of AI on women

AI’s expansion offers both growth potential and hurdles for women. Research shows men use generative AI more frequently than women. But why are women less engaged with AI? 

“They may feel less inclined to adopt AI due to the historical male dominance in the workplace and an enduring gap in women’s representation in tech-heavy roles,” says Teresha Aird, cofounder and CMO at Offices.net. “Some women I’ve talked to still view AI as requiring advanced knowledge, making it feel inaccessible without strong employer support for skill development.”

Apathy seems to be another possibility. “Many AI systems focus on efficiency and automation, which might not resonate with women who emphasize human interaction and emotional intelligence in leadership,” says Julia Yurchak, senior recruitment consultant at Keller Executive Search. 

“Bridging the gap requires making tech less intimidating and more relatable by highlighting AI’s practical applications in everyday tasks,” Aird says.

The potential consequences of low engagement with AI

“The future belongs to those who embrace AI,” Yurchak says. “AI literacy is no longer an option for women—it’s critical to job growth in every sector.” Without AI skills, women risk falling behind, with significant consequences for career growth, competitiveness, and access to leadership roles. 

Here are the key impacts of the AI skills gap, which will continue to widen and affect readiness for AI-driven roles.

• Underrepresentation in leadership: Fewer women in AI means lower representation in tech leadership, impacting diversity and decision-making.

• Missed career progression: Without AI skills, women face fewer advancement opportunities in AI-dependent fields.

• Reduced efficiency and access to technical roles: Lack of AI tools may limit efficiency and prevent women from transitioning into technical positions.

• Increased dependency on colleagues: Lack of AI skills can put women at a disadvantage in productivity and efficiency. “She’ll be behind peers who can use these tools to reach audiences more efficiently,” Yurchak says.

Benefits of AI in the workplace for women’s career growth

AI skills bring significant career benefits, from boosting productivity to increasing visibility. To foster an inclusive AI landscape, companies can expand access to AI skills and build confidence in its benefits, preparing women to lead in an AI-driven workplace.

“Women who are proficient with these tools will gain an edge and open doors to roles with better job security and higher salaries,” Aird says.

Beyond personal performance, AI skills demonstrate adaptability—a key asset in today’s job market. “AI is a powerful tool for women to empower themselves in leadership and decision-making,” Yurchak says. By embracing AI, women aren’t just staying relevant—they’re preparing for the future workplace.

Key benefits of AI skills for women’s career growth:

• Increased productivity and efficiency

• Enhanced visibility and professional presence within organizations

• Streamlined decision-making through AI-powered insights

• Demonstrated adaptability in a tech-driven job market

• Broadened leadership opportunities across multiple sectors

• Empowered decision-making, supporting leadership and innovation

• Positioned to influence and lead emerging industry trends

How to use AI at work: A guide for women

Getting started with AI doesn’t mean mastering complex programming; it’s about learning to use tools that can simplify and enhance your day-to-day tasks. Here’s how to ease into AI.

• Start small. Incorporate AI tools that complement your current work processes. Begin with tools like chatbots, voice assistants, or automated scheduling software. “These tools are easy to learn and show how AI can simplify daily tasks, building confidence without the overwhelming tech jargon,” Aird says.

• Leverage online courses and resources. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning offer beginner-friendly AI courses focused on applications rather than coding.

• Seek out mentors or networking groups. Join women-in-tech communities or mentorship groups to find support, share knowledge, and stay updated on new tools.

• Use AI to manage your workload. Explore ways AI can automate repetitive tasks—like responding to routine inquiries—so you can focus on high-value projects.

• Request AI training at work. Many companies offer AI training to help employees adapt. Taking advantage of these resources shows initiative and may lead to new project opportunities.

• Stay curious and patient. AI is a journey. Allow yourself to experiment and learn—curiosity and patience will help build confidence and skills, making AI a valuable career tool.

The path forward

Women have every reason to embrace AI and carve out their place in its future. Engaging with AI at work not only strengthens their careers but also contributes to a richer, more diverse tech landscape, paving the way for others to follow.

As AI continues to evolve, women are well-positioned to lead this transformation—setting trends, inspiring teams, and reshaping the workplace into a space where innovation and inclusivity thrive. Together, they can turn challenges into opportunities, showing that the future of work isn’t just about technology but about the diverse voices that drive it forward.