Whilst delivering a session earlier this week, I encouraged participants to discuss the ‘wonky’ thoughts that caused them stress. An interesting conversation emerged from one group about the use of technology.
One person complained about the time it took to learn about, train others and establish new processes, and the other described how AI could revolutionise the way they work, prevent SILOS in the workplace and, even better, support positive wellbeing.
Coming from camp, ‘the robots will take over the world,’ I couldn’t help but eavesdrop on this conversation. If I’m emotionally biased against something, I’ll endeavour to uncover information about the opposite view to see if I can think differently. Fortunately, for this topic, my husband is in the other camp (I’ve long suspected he might actually be an AI robot), so I have plenty of opportunities to do so.
Could AI improve employee wellbeing?
Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to hear Alexia Cambon (Senior Director and Research Leader for the Future of Work at Microsoft) speak at a conference I was also presenting at.
We were introduced at lunch before speaking at the event, and upon discovering what we each did, we had a very interesting conversation about AI and its possibilities of supporting wellbeing in the workplace.
In her talk, Alexia described how ‘broken work patterns’ were causing a ‘time and energy deficiency’ (particularly because of our undeniable yet illogical love of a meeting) and how AI wasn’t just a tool that could support productivity but rather a new ‘dimension of work’.
For any Luddites reading this blog, before you break out in a cold sweat, Alexia suggests that with the right mindset and correct behavioural changes to use AI, we could free up time (perhaps even 10 hours a month) to use as we wish. That could be supporting our wellbeing in the way we work, more exercise, being away from the screen, and more focused time to better think, plan, and improve productivity, but not (she hopes) spending more time in meetings.
Therein lies the rub – mindset and behavioural change. If we consider the change curve, people’s reactions, motivation, and acceptance of AI are as varied as the individuals themselves, which can be problematic and difficult to implement in a timely manner.
How much of an appetite is there for AI in the workplace?
According to Microsoft’s 4th Annual Work Trend Index, there’s quite a bit, with ‘three in four knowledge workers’ saying, ‘AI saves time, boots creativity and allows them to focus on their most important work.’ 79% of leaders ‘agree AI adoption is critical to remain competitive.’
Earlier this week, Dutch publisher Veen Bosch and Keuning gained attention by announcing that it was going to use AI for English language translations in under 10 of its commercial fiction titles. They maintain that the process ‘starts and ends with human action’. Those opposed to it say that translators add context, style and nuance and that ‘Culture cannot be automated without causing harm to literature…’.
However, this led me to wonder, if a person is reviewing the translation before publication (assuming that’s what ending with human action means), doesn’t it speed up the process and save time?
Can AI really improve productivity?
Interestingly, a recent BBC article highlighted different results. Upwork’s survey (of 2,500 knowledge workers in the US, UK, Australia and Canada) found that 96% of top executives say they expect the use of AI tools to increase their company’s overall productivity levels’ but ‘77% of employees in the survey say AI tools have decreased their productivity and added to their workload.’
PR Agency Founder Anurag Garg would say not. His people found incorporating AI Tools into their daily tasks meant they took longer to complete, creating stress and tension and potentially causing burnout. This is not only because of distractions, add-ons, and updates but also because the market is flooded with tools available, yet ‘no single tool solves multiple problems.’
As a result, trying to keep on top of them all was time-consuming in and of itself. Don’t get me started on updates; even my washing machine is smarter than I am!!
How could AI support wellbeing?
If we look at the impact technology has had on work historically, the more tech that’s become available to us, the busier we’ve become! In fact, ‘busy’ seems to be the constant state that most people are in.
The truth lies somewhere in between. Like the spare pair of pants in your office, AI is useful until it’s not. Embracing AI means redefining our roles and ensuring these algorithms are our assistants, not our overlords. Use it wisely—like a double espresso—supporting our wellbeing without overwhelming us with endless updates and unsolicited advice. After all, work should feel more like a well-oiled team and less like a sci-fi film gone awry.
It all comes back to Alexia Cambon’s recommendation of ‘mindset’ and ‘behavioural change’. Let’s consider the hybrid way work has evolved since COVID-19 – it can be either effective or inconvenient, depending on how it is agreed upon by those involved.
That requires effective communication and a supportive culture, as demonstrated by all. Another meeting, anyone?
Failing that, become a comedian because, honestly, AI can not do humour…. Can it?
If you are interested in Laughology supporting behavioural change in your organisation through Relationship Building or a Growth Mindset, please contact Doug@laughology.co.uk.
AI was used to create part of this blog. If you can guess which paragraph is Laura’s alter, artificial ego, send your answer, with a postal address, to sue@laughology.co.uk for a free iconic Laughology squidgy person or a curly wurly!