As AI and related technologies become more mainstream, some workers worry about their future and wonder how they will fit in. Many are concerned that AI will take their position and leave them without a paycheck. To make their case, they point to estimates that automation will displace between 400 and 800 million jobs by 2030.
Like previous revolutions before, AI will change our entire society. In the past, individuals used books to search for information. During the Internet era, “searching” was no longer a problem, and we learned to summarize information. Now, Generative AI can do the summaries, so we can take on new and high-level tasks.
We all should be ready to embrace the “assistants” era which will be powered by AI. There will be help available to prepare documents for review. We can expect assistants with deep knowledge of a certain domain to enable us to learn quickly. AI-powered tools can also check the work we do and bring it to a higher level of quality.
Here are six ways that AI can assist employees:
1. Carrying Out Initial Research and Drafts
Generative AI is particularly knowledgeable on a lot of topics and can synthesize research into drafts which workers can review and use as a base. They might write more content and add to the first draft. There are a variety of applications for this, including research about a certain domain or company that a sales rep uses, or assistance to help an employee when starting a new job or performing a new activity.
2. Performing Repetitive Work
Chatbots can answer frequently asked questions, making it unnecessary for an employee to provide the same answer again and again. Robots are able to repeat the same motion on an assembly line with precision, without growing tired. Going forward, we can expect routine deskwork to have more AI involvement too. Instead, individuals who used to fill these roles could focus on positions that require problem-solving and people skills. A person who likes to interact with others might talk to customers with specific questions about a complex matter. A factory worker might oversee machines and carry out quality checks. An office assistant could plan events for the organization or manage a bigger project.
3. Taking on Intense Labor
As AI takes over heavy lifting, workers may suffer fewer physical injuries. Instead, they could find themselves controlling the machines that are doing the manual work. They might be programming them too. In addition, AI can help to analyze huge amounts of customer data from multiple sources. It then provides summaries and valuable insights.
4. Carrying Out Initial Reviews
Instead of poring over hundreds of documents, an office worker might have AI scan them and find relevant points. In the same way, AI could be used to evaluate pictures too. For example, in the past radiologists and X-ray technicians have been responsible for interpreting medical images to diagnose conditions such as tumors. However, machines can now identify potentially cancerous lesions. This increases the accuracy and efficiency of a diagnosis, and also frees up healthcare professionals to focus on specialized tasks and patient care.
For retailers, Generative AI can analyze historical sales data, market trends, and external factors to provide accurate sales forecasts. This can help companies make informed decisions about resource allocation. It is also useful for inventory management and revenue projections.
5. Generating Ideas
AI helps to resolve the “blank page syndrome.” An architect might tap into technology for initial designs. After the drawings have been created, the architect can sift through them to adapt the plan. Since AI draws on a pool of data, artists can use the information provided as a launching point, and then apply their own touch to produce a final product. Other professionals might use AI to understand a technology quickly or predict security threats.
6. Improving Work
After a draft has been created, AI can recommend changes. It might also suggest summaries. At a law firm, an intern might draft an initial M&A contract. AI could then review it, followed by a senior level staff member.
Despite the advances, machines cannot use certain skills, such as emotional intelligence and critical thinking. Companies will increasingly be looking for employees who can navigate uncertainty, communicate effectively, and solve complex problems. In a working environment, the human element will continue to have an important—and needed—role.
