Want a promotion? It might pay to use AI (www.businessinsider.com)

Cisco's recent report reveals a strong correlation between AI usage and promotions within the company. Employees recommended for advancement were found to utilize AI tools 50% more frequently than those who were not, highlighting a trend where active AI users are not only more engaged but also deemed "critical to retain" at a rate 40% higher than their peers. According to Cisco’s chief people officer, Kelly Jones, the integration of AI skills not only enhances employee confidence and excitement about the company’s mission but also fosters a more empowered workforce. This development signifies a shift in how tech companies value AI proficiency amidst growing discussions on performance metrics. Firms like Amazon and Meta are beginning to incorporate AI usage as a key criterion for promotions, pushing employees to demonstrate their competence in AI applications. This trend underscores the increasing importance of AI skills in career advancement, suggesting that employees’ abilities to harness AI could impact their professional trajectories significantly, effectively making AI fluency a valuable asset in the workplace.