As businesses increasingly turn to artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance productivity, a new report from Asana’s Work Innovation Lab, titled "Scaling AI in 2025," sheds light on how small businesses can thrive in this evolving landscape. With AI scalers adopting a strategic, methodical approach to AI implementation, small business owners may want to consider these insights to avoid pitfalls and maximize benefits.
Anna James, Research & Operations Lead at the lab, emphasizes that companies embracing AI as a foundational element are reshaping workplace dynamics. "Companies that qualify as ‘AI scalers’ approach AI as a new kind of infrastructure that is not optional to build,” she explains. This shift marks a transition from urgency-driven adoption to an intentional strategy that genuinely enhances employee experience and operational efficiency.
Key insights from the report offer valuable guidance for small business owners. For instance, it reveals that a significant portion of IT leaders (35%) are reevaluating their AI investments. Some regret adopting solutions hastily, highlighting the importance of a thoughtful deployment strategy. Small businesses must avoid the trap of adopting AI simply for the sake of keeping up with trends.
One of the enduring challenges in AI deployment is the risk of digital exhaustion among employees. James notes that workers today juggle numerous platforms, switching between applications over 1,200 times daily, which can hinder productivity. For small businesses, addressing this challenge is crucial. Successful AI scalers embed AI tools within existing platforms rather than treating them as standalone products. This integrated approach reduces friction and enhances usability, something small businesses can prioritize to streamline workflows.
Moreover, the report stresses the need for governance and training in AI implementation. A clear governance structure helps ensure that employees understand the tools available to them. However, there remains a disconnect between IT leaders and individual contributors regarding AI governance: only 32% of IT leaders report having structured governance in place, compared to just 15% of employees. Small businesses should work to bridge this gap by providing training that raises awareness and builds confidence among staff regarding AI tools.
To enhance AI adoption, organizations need cross-functional collaboration. Eight in ten IT leaders report responsibility for AI implementation, but those in IT often lack familiarity with the various applications used across departments. The report advocates creating AI councils or cross-functional groups where shared accountability can flourish. Identifying "super connectors," employees who naturally bridge departmental silos, can play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and facilitating AI adoption.
While the report highlights the potential for AI to streamline operations, small business owners must also be cautious. AI implementations should focus on high-impact workflows that are readily applicable across functions. This approach minimizes the risk of solving non-existent problems and ensures that AI is utilized effectively. The ability to pinpoint repeatable workflows can lay a solid foundation for AI projects, especially for smaller organizations with limited resources.
Despite the challenges of implementation, the potential benefits of scaling AI are profound. “The organizations pulling ahead are really investing in enablement and transparency and that cross-functional collaboration,” James notes. Small business owners can adopt these principles by investing in the necessary infrastructure and prioritizing employee engagement in the transition.
The ultimate lesson from the "Scaling AI in 2025" report is that success in AI is as much about the people as it is about the technology. By fostering a culture of transparency and support, small businesses can navigate the complexities of AI implementation while ensuring that their workforce is empowered and engaged.
Asana’s insights offer a roadmap for small businesses looking to adopt AI thoughtfully and strategically. For further details, the full report can be accessed at Asana’s Work Innovation Lab. This investigation into the mechanisms of AI scalers serves as a crucial resource, underscoring that the human element remains key in technological advancement.
Image Via BizSugar
