Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a buzzworthy topic, and it seems everyone has an opinion about its impact on the workforce. We are now overwhelmed with articles, interviews, and tweets from personalities disconnected from technical reality and shamelessly drawing on images of competition and submission in order to generate ever more emotion and clicks. Amidst all the hype and sensationalism, the reality of AI's role is humanising work rather than taking it over completely. Let's explore the challenges and opportunities that AI presents in organisations, as these new tools have the potential to be more human-centric than we might have initially thought.
Artificial intelligence is essentially a collection of specialised tools, each designed to optimise a specific repetitive task. A prime example of this is in medical imaging, where algorithms assist doctors in diagnosing specific cancers by analysing hundreds of images. AI, in essence, is only as good as the human expertise that guides its implementation.
Contrary to the fear of job displacement, AI can be a boon to employees by automating repetitive and tedious tasks that were once thankless. The misconception that AI will seize control of human activity within organisations is unfounded. Instead, AI should be embraced as a technological opportunity that liberates time for employees and aids them in making informed decisions. A human technology that has the potential to relieve the employee of daunting tasks.
AI makes it possible to automate often repetitive, sometimes thankless actions previously carried out by employees. With AI handling repetitive tasks, employees can redirect their focus to more "human" missions, where they can truly add value. This means unleashing their creativity, fostering innovation, and delving deeper into analysis. Moreover, they can invest more time in meaningful human interactions, both within the organisation and externally. For example, a nurse can now dedicate more attention to their patients, humanising healthcare and creating more fulfilling careers.
We must put an end to the received idea that would hand over the majority of the human activity of the organisation to the hands of machines. AI should be approached as a technological opportunity that frees up time for employees and helps them make decisions and bring value for the employee and for the organisation.
The success of AI lies in its ability to collaborate with users effectively. However, current AI solutions are often opaque in their operations, lacking the necessary transparency for meaningful interactions. Organisations like GAFA (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon) have focused on user engagement, but we must ensure that AI tools and humans understand each other's questions and answers, similar in some respects to that of humans. As enterprise solutions advance and prioritise collaboration, the reality of work will be positively influenced.
While it's true that AI may lead to some job cuts, the doomsday predictions of mass unemployment are far from reality. Humans remain an indispensable part of the workforce, and AI's development in the workplace will shift employees toward more fulfilling roles, providing them with a sense of purpose and meaningful careers. It is crucial not to overlook the opportunities that AI creates for personal and professional growth resulting in more rewarding missions for more fulfilling careers.
Artificial Intelligence is not a menacing force aiming to replace human workers but rather a tool that empowers employees to focus on their core strengths and establish more meaningful connections. By using AI, organisations can create a future where technology and humans collaborate harmoniously, leading to a more humanised and fulfilling work environment. The key lies in adopting AI responsibly and envisioning a future where human potential is enhanced by this transformative technology.
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