The pace of technological advancement is accelerating, and nowhere is this more evident than in the ChatGPT craze sweeping the world. At the forefront of this revolution is artificial intelligence (AI), with companies eagerly adopting AI solutions and software providers like Microsoft racing to integrate AI into their tools even faster.
The goal 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 that 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 and gives both fresh ideas and considerations when using AI.
Being a business IT provider means we keep on top of these types of reports. By understanding the trends, we can help our clients navigate these changes and also help them leverage the power of AI to drive business forward.
Next, we’ll look at the main trends identified in the report as well as explore how they can impact your operations.
Employees Want and Expect AI at Work
Is your company lagging behind in AI adoption? You may find it harder to attract and keep top talent. The study shows that 75% of knowledge workers now use AI at work.
Employees understand that AI helps them do certain things faster, however, one of the concerns 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 Becoming More in Demand
There are new positions, like Prompt Engineer, in the workforce that did not exist just three years ago. Employees who know how to use AI to get the best output are most in demand.
The study also found that companies are seeking AI-skilled staff and that job loss fears haven’t yet been realized. 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 and 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 Role of Employees Using AI
The report also reveals a notable divide in employee use of AI. The spectrum begins with skeptics, rarely using AI on one end with power users on the other.
These AI “power users” are saving more than 30 minutes per day by reengineering their workflow using artificial intelligence.
Some of the ways that AI can augment roles and assist with tasks include:
- AI-driven automation
- Data analysis and reporting
- Customer support enhancement
- Document and policy drafting
Companies can benefit from their AI power users. These employees can help train others on their team and create foundational processes and templates. Other employees can then follow these templates to enhance their work.
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. Some may be using AI where the company would rather have a human touch, putting even more 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 they are 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, helping companies understand the transformative power of AI in the workplace. It’s important to understand these key trends and embrace AI strategically. Doing this enables businesses to unlock new opportunities as well as enhance productivity and improve employee satisfaction.
Article used with permission from The Technology Press.