Hey there, I'm Devin!
Most of the time you can catch me deep in the world of internal comms at Workshop (yes, the Happy Mondays folks!), and while I love AI, there are just some comms questions that need a human who really gets it… that’s me!
Hey Devin,
As AI-generated content becomes more common, how do internal comms teams protect credibility and trust with employees? Do you think transparency about AI use matters internally, and if so, how open should we be?
Let me start by saying this (because I think a lot of people… especially internal communicators need to hear it): using AI is not a shortcut, and it’s definitely not something to be embarrassed about.
I remember when I felt like it was a bad thing to use AI. Literally using ChatGPT on my phone instead of my work computer. Like it was something I should downplay or keep to myself. That mindset just isn’t true anymore. AI is much more broadly accepted, and at the end of the day, it’s just another tool in my comms tool belt. Using it doesn’t make me less thoughtful, less strategic, or less qualified. I’m still the internal comms expert, and what I bring to the table can’t be replaced by AI, no matter what the internet might say.
When it comes to credibility and trust, I don’t think the risk is that AI is being used. The risk is when employees feel misled, confused, or unsure about where information is coming from. That’s where transparency really matters.
Personally, I’m a fan of being open about AI use in a very matter-of-fact way. Not over-explaining it, not apologizing for it, and definitely not hiding it. If AI helped summarize a long conversation, draft a first pass, or pull out key themes, that’s okay. What matters is that a human reviewed it, added context, and made intentional decisions before it went out.
You don’t need to label every message as “AI-assisted,” but you do want shared expectations. Clear internal guidance around how AI is used, what it’s used for, and where human review always comes into play goes a long way in protecting trust. Employees don’t need every detail, but they do need to know that AI isn’t running the show.
I also think confidence plays a big role here. When internal comms teams treat AI like a secret or a shortcut, it can feel questionable. When they treat it like what it is (a support and productivity tool) it reinforces credibility instead of undermining it.
At the end of the day, trust doesn’t come from pretending AI isn’t part of the process. It comes from consistency, clarity, and knowing there’s a real person behind the message who understands the organization and its people. AI can help me work smarter, but I’m still the voice, the judgment, and the relationship.
And that part of the job isn’t going anywhere!
