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Artificial intelligence (AI) is a hot topic for good reason. OpenAI's launch of ChatGPT on November 30, 2022, marked a significant milestone in machine learning and human-computer interaction.
For the first time, humans could engage in quasi-natural conversation with a large language model, sparking both fascination and concern, particularly in the workplace.
The question arose: with AI becoming increasingly advanced in communication and learning, could this signal the beginning of the end of human eminence?
The capabilities of AI have left many in awe, including Bill Gates — a tech visionary in his own right —who was stunned after witnessing an AI model pass an AP examination. He described this achievement as "revolutionary," likening it to the transformative impact of the graphical user interface's invention in the 1980s.
This fascination made artificial intelligence (AI) the Collins dictionary word of the year in 2023.
The mainstreaming of AI in the workplace has received mixed reactions. While there is a consensus that it will make workflow faster and easier, some foresee massive layoffs, significantly when it surpasses human intelligence.
This leads to the question: is AI a boon or bane for workers?
This article will provide some insight into this question.
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Artificial intelligence (AI), or AI in the workplace, refers to the application of intelligent machines to perform tasks and solve problems traditionally done by human intelligence. It is not about replacing humans entirely, but rather about augmenting their capabilities.
Some of the examples of utilizing artificial intelligence in the workplace include:
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With AI capability to analyze vast amounts of data and deliver actionable insights, most workplaces will have to change. Here is how artificial intelligence in the workplace will impact work:
AI excels at to-dos and jobs that involve recognizing patterns and following defined patterns and rules. Through techniques like machine learning, AI systems can be trained on vast datasets to perform functions like:
It's important to dispel the myth that AI is designed to replace human workers in the long term. Instead, AI is designed to be an empowering tool. By automating the mundane, using AI in the workplace frees up human time for more strategic endeavors.
Imagine a data analyst who can now spend less time on data entry and more on analyzing trends and developing insights. Similarly, a customer service representative can focus on building rapport with clients and resolving complex situations requiring human empathy and judgment.
AI allows employees to leverage their unique skills and creativity while AI handles the repetitive drudgery. This leads to increased productivity and can boost employee morale and job satisfaction.
Examples across industries:
The business impact of AI automation technologies is felt across companies in a wide range of industries:
For businesses that rely on data to make quality decisions, AI helps by:
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AI has immense potential for improving efficiency and productivity, but its implementation isn't without challenges.
Here's a deeper look at how AI can cause havoc in the workplace, along with real-world examples:
According to a 2021 report by McKinsey, up to 800 million jobs worldwide could potentially be replaced by automation by the year 2030. For instance, in the automotive industry, robots are now handling things such as welding and painting, leading to a decreased demand for human assembly line workers.
An investigation by Reuters in 2022 found that Amazon's AI-powered recruitment tool was biased against women. The algorithm favored resumes with keywords typically associated with male candidates. This discrimination can lead to more workplace discrimination and a lack of diversity, keeping companies from hiring qualified candidates.
Ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft use AI algorithms to determine driver pay and ride allocation. These algorithms are often kept secret, leading to frustration among drivers and confusion among other workers regarding the impact of these decisions on their income.
AI chatbots are increasingly used in customer service roles, offering efficient solutions but lacking the human touch. This can lead to customer dissatisfaction and a sense of isolation for employees who no longer have the opportunity to interact directly with clients.
AI-powered monitoring software can track employee activity, keystrokes, and facial expressions. This raises ethical concerns about employee privacy and creates a feeling of being constantly watched, leading to decreased morale and productivity.
By being aware of these potential pitfalls, businesses can implement AI responsibly and minimize workplace disruption.
Focusing on areas where AI can augment human capabilities rather than replace them entirely is vital to a smooth transition and maximizing the benefits of this powerful technology.
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AI is transforming organizations and the workplace more broadly in numerous ways, from automating tasks to streamlining processes. Here are some concrete examples of how AI is being applied across various industries:
For repetitive to-dos such as:
Data Entry and Processing: In finance, insurance, and healthcare, AI can handle massive amounts of paperwork, automatically extracting data from invoices, claims forms, and medical records. This frees employees to focus on more complex tasks requiring analysis and judgment.
Customer Service: AI-powered chatbots can answer frequently asked questions, troubleshoot fundamental issues, and even schedule appointments, reducing the burden on human customer service representatives.
For those working in:
Sales & Marketing: AI can analyze customer data to identify sales leads, predict buying patterns and behavior, and personalize marketing campaigns for better targeting and ROI (Return on Investment).
Finance: AI algorithms can analyze financial data to detect fraud, assess risk, create, and recommend investment strategies.
In areas such as:
Media & Entertainment: AI can personalize content recommendations for viewers on streaming platforms like Netflix and curate playlists based on listening habits on Spotify.
Social Media Management: AI can analyze social media and sentiment analysis to understand audience reception of campaigns and identify brand mentions.
Manufacturing: AI can monitor equipment for predictive maintenance, identifying potential failures before they occur and preventing costly downtime.
Supply Chain Management: AI can analyze historical data and market trends to optimize logistics and ensure efficient delivery of goods.
These are just a few examples and as AI continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative applications to emerge across all workplace sectors.
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The artificial intelligence revolution is underway. New technology is being rolled out daily and artificial intelligence is set to surprise human intelligence.
There is no better time for workers to adapt to these new tools. Private businesses, federal agencies, and all other significant employers use artificial intelligence to automate processes, process data, and more.
Whether you're a lawyer, financial planner, human resources manager, or data scientist, AI technology will impact your job. Knowing this, here are some strategies you can use to navigate a future dominated by artificial intelligence tools:
A commitment to continuous learning is the best thing for your career, regardless of which AI tools or computer systems or programs come after your job.
Learn what you can about AI and how you can use it to improve job performance and acquire new, in-demand skills.
Continuous Learning will also mean that you stay ahead of new AI systems. With this approach, you can study how AI tools impact your job and take steps to mitigate risks to your career.
Continuous Learning involves the following:
Continuous learning also extends to activities beyond the workplace. You could engage in activities such as:
No matter how advanced AI systems become, they won't replace your humanity. So far, AI tools only excel in tasks such as data analysis, language processing, research and copywriting, but they won't replace jobs requiring manual labor, empathy, or decision-making.
Developing soft skills and skills that showcase your humanity will make you immune to current artificial intelligence developments. AI can analyze vast amounts of data and perform billions of calculations per second, but humans still have the edge in soft skills.
These skills include:
Multiple platforms are available for learning and practicing soft skills. The best ones are found online and in virtual settings that allow you to create opportunities to practice in our current reality. Make it your mission to explore your humanity. You can practice better understanding how you and other workers feel, get feedback on decision making or other communication skills development, and meet people outside of your organization.
Soft skills and a deeper understanding of the human condition will allow you to collaborate better, network faster, and build deeper connections with your team.
To build your soft skills quickly, do the following:
It's nearly impossible to develop soft skills without being open to feedback. Seeking input from HR, managers, and colleagues is essential for soft skills growth.
HR professionals and other employees from your company can deliver constructive criticism that will help you elevate your soft skills.
Communication capability is a soft skill that helps you build other soft skills. You might be assigned responsibilities that do not require you to communicate with anyone else, but going out of your way to interact with others helps you become a better employee.
Include face-to-face communication, written communication such as emails, and group communication in your plan. Each communication method is different and helps you build your skills quickly. And as an added bonus, you'll get to know other people who work at your company, which can create new opportunities for collaboration.
Additionally, consider nonverbal cues when communicating with others. Your tone, body language, and facial expressions can convey messages beyond what you are speaking.
Teamwork automatically helps you build on your soft skills. Working with others teaches you how to connect faster, smoother, and more effectively than through any employee training program.
When you have conflicts with colleagues, you must utilize your interpersonal skills to foster a sense of connection with other team members. You'll also learn how to minimize discrimination in your interactions with others and you may have the chance to connect with those whose national origin may differ from yours.
This is because team activity also means working with people from diverse backgrounds and considering their diverse opinions in your decision-making. You'll create new relationships that can enhance your experience at your company and possibly also pave the way for future growth and development.
Stepping outside your comfort zone is the only way to achieve significant self-discovery. You will learn how to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations. This capability is critical to your ability as an employee and could open future opportunities, with your current employer or business and beyond.
If you choose to stay in your current comfort zone, you employ the same skill sets you possess, and this will impede your soft skills development.
Stepping out of your comfort zone could mean working with new people, directly answering customer queries, speaking to job candidates, or creating a new customer experience. You may even be able to be part of developing more innovative collaborations across different units in your company.
Anticipating workplace fluctuations or changes makes you adaptable. You will inevitably experience workplace changes, such as employees moving on to other jobs, changes in benefits and support, or newer technologies changing the nature of your career.
Your ability to cope with these changes directly measures your adaptability, a critical soft skill. This enhances your personal and professional development and makes you more valuable to your employer.
There is no shame in observing other employees and picking up on their soft skills. Pay attention to managers, supervisors, and other employees and observe how they interact with other parties across the business.
For example, if you struggle to connect with employees of a different national origin or sexual orientation, observe and follow the example set by other workers. Borrow from their hard and soft skills and become a better worker while minimizing discrimination on your part and by extension, throughout your organization.
Conflicts are common in the workplace and how to resolve them is a critical soft skill. Employers will often consider conflict resolution skills when assessing job applicants.
When conflicts arise, step in and think of ways to resolve the issue. If you do not have the skills to resolve disputes, observe and learn as other workers take the lead. If your human resources offers training on resolving conflict, take part, and if not, research opportunities on your own to improve your skills and positively influence challenging patterns or situations at your company.
Taking on a leadership role helps you improve your soft skills in many ways. First, you need soft skills to convince your employer or organization that you can do the job.
Once you earn the position, you must cultivate soft skills to bring out the best in your team.
Soft leadership skills help you become a better leader by helping you connect better with your team's workers and inspiring them to perform to the best of their abilities. You'll be able to play a key role in other people's skill development, which can minimize discrimination, create a better workplace reality, and even drive new business for your team and your employer. And – you'll look more impressive to future employers, too.
It is often said that if you can't beat them, join them. This saying is especially true for AI tools and the modern worker. To survive the revolution, AI can be utilized to help you become a superior worker.
Study AI tools and learn how to use machine learning, natural language processing, and other artificial intelligence tools to augment your workflow.
If you master how to use generative AI and simple automation to perform repetitive tasks quickly, you will automatically become more productive and a more valuable asset to your employer.
AI is highly experimental, so you should not commit to one path without studying all available options. Use online platforms to find which best fits your job description.
The best tools quickly develop a good reputation among professionals and objective reviews can be found on sites such as Reddit or LinkedIn.
One example of an AI tool that improves productivity is Sanebox. This AI tool manages your emails and turns priority items into a to-do list.
To integrate AI or machine learning in the workplace, do the following:
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Are you ready to thrive in the upcoming AI-driven future?
Are you looking for ways to use AI in the workplace to impress current and future employers?
At Highrise, we understand the challenges and opportunities of the transition to AI technology. That's why we're committed to empowering individuals to harness the potential of AI technologies. Our program includes workshops on AI in the workplace, expert facilitators trained in using generative AI, and opportunities to network with peers skilled in data analytics, machine learning, and using AI systems and tools in companies across different industries.
When you partner with us, we'll equip you with the necessary coaching tools and the guidance of an experienced coach to help you prepare for the future.
Contact us today and approach the future with confidence.
