The pace of technological advancement is accelerating. This is not news to anyone wading through the ChatGPT craze. Artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of this revolution. Here at BlueTeam Networks, we are swiftly seeing companies in Columbus adopting AI solutions. Even more rapidly are software providers like Microsoft adding AI to the tools they are offering.
The goal for many businesses is to use AI to do things like:
- Streamline operations
- Automate tasks
- Reduce errors
- Boost business output
The 2024 Work Trend Index is a joint report by Microsoft and LinkedIn. It provides valuable insights into the current state of AI in the workplace. The study sheds light on how AI is transforming the way we work. It provides both fresh ideas and careful considerations when using AI.
Being an IT provider means we keep on top of these types of reports. By understanding the trends, we can help our clients navigate these changes. We can also help them leverage the power of AI to drive their business forward.
Next, we’ll look at the main trends identified in the report and explore how they can impact your business operations.
Employees Want and Expect AI at Work
Is your company slowly lagging in AI adoption? You may find it harder to attract and keep top talent. This study shows that 75% of knowledge workers now use AI at work. That means that those who create the most value for your business want AI options at their employer.
Employees understand that AI helps them do certain things faster. One of the concerns they have is a lack of rapid adoption by companies. Companies in turn need to have a plan. AI is like any other new technology. It can help, but only if you do it right.
The best way to move forward is a partnership with employees. Learn how they feel AI can help them most. This gives you a great starting point for where to leverage AI effectively.
AI Skills are Rapidly Becoming More in Demand
There are now new positions we never heard of just three years ago. Prompt engineer is one of these. Employees who know how to use AI to get the best output are most in demand.
The study also found that job loss fears haven’t yet been realized. Instead, companies are seeking AI-skilled staff. Fifty-five percent of leaders worry about having enough talent to fill needs.
The need for AI skills means employers should add AI training to upskill teams. Employees can take the initiative to improve their use of AI and prompts. It’s in everyone’s best interest to learn how to harness AI productively.
The Evolving AI Role in Employee Tasks
The report also reveals a notable divide in employee use of AI. The spectrum begins with skeptics, who are rarely using AI. On the other end is power users. They use AI frequently in their work.
These AI “power users” are saving more than 30 minutes per day. They do this by reengineering their workflow using artificial intelligence to optimize their output.
Some of the ways that AI can augment roles and assist with tasks include:
- AI-driven automation
- Data analysis and reporting
- Customer support enhancement
- Documentation and policy drafting
Companies can benefit from their AI power users. These employees can help train others on their team and help create foundational processes and templates. Other employees can then follow these templates to enhance their work.
Warning: Things Can Get Messy Fast without a Plan
Companies have immense pressure to show ROI. Many haven’t yet figured out how to do that with AI enhancements. But they’re also worried about being too slow to adopt.
One of the issues this has led to is employees using AI on their own. Using un-sanctioned AI tools could mean employees using AI where the company would rather have a human touch, accidently infringing on copyrighted materials, or using inaccurate data to make important business decisions. Or even more worrying, free AI tools may not have adequate security measures, which can lead to unauthorized access, security breaches, or the sale of proprietary data. This puts the emphasis on businesses needing an AI use policy, and fast.
It’s the “Wild West” without a use policy in place. Companies can begin by contacting their IT provider for expert guidance.
The Ethical Considerations and Trust in AI
As AI becomes more prevalent, it’s essential to address the ethical considerations. The Work Trend Index emphasizes three important things in this area. These are transparency, privacy, and bias mitigation in AI systems.
Businesses must ensure that AI tools are deployed ethically and responsibly. This means clear communications to employees and customers about how it’s using AI. Building trust in AI is crucial for its successful integration into the workplace.
Final Thoughts on AI in the Workplace
The 2024 Work Trend Index offers valuable insights to help companies understand the transformative power of AI in the workplace. It’s important to understand these key trends and to embrace AI strategically, with a plan in place and good communication. Doing this enables businesses to unlock new opportunities, enhance productivity and improve employee satisfaction.
BlueTeam can Help with an AI Game Plan
We are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of AI. We can assist you with leveraging its potential to drive your business forward, while also mitigating the risks.
Contact us today to discuss how we can support your AI journey!
Article used with permission from The Technology Press.