How AI Is Reshaping Workplace Productivity: Intern or Expert?

Generative AI tools have been trumpeted as game changers in modern work processes and, for that matter, promise to replace certain roles altogether. But experts believe we remain a long way from this reality. Artificial intelligence is felt to be a solution for increased efficiency, yet the way most professionals currently engage with these tools says otherwise.

Others point to incomplete training or education about AI as the culprit. Still, others liken AI's role to that of a novice: "It's like your most junior intern," McRae relates, noting that this sets AI up for trouble in cases where skilled work is expected. "You wouldn't want to assign interns work that requires significant expertise."

In fact, one recent report from Slingshot and Dynata reported that more than 60% of workers using AI say they're most reliant on it for checking their own work rather than research or other tasks related to data analysis. This could be indicative that AI isn't yet fully integrated into many workflows but is more of an auxiliary tool to them.

Another survey by Upwork corroborates the same. Of the more than 2,500 professionals using generative AI, nearly 80% felt that it added to their workload rather than lessened it. The extra time this group spent was in reviewing AI-generated output and how to use the tools themselves.

Gartner's own survey supports this, saying employees use AI mainly for information gathering-less so for content generation or automation. While AI excels at compiling and analyzing information, it often contains inaccuracies that require double-checking. "The real risk is in what you don't know," McRae says. Inability of AI to recognize important context or fine details provides significant challenges.

Despite these challenges, companies continue to experiment with the technology, with some saying it has eased work pressure and time constraints. Kira Makagon, chief innovation officer at RingCentral, tempers the enthusiasm with a balancing note: "It's not about jumping on to the latest AI bandwagon; it's about blending tools that complement the existing workflows, allowing space for innovation," Makagon says.

For example, RingCentral's marketing team uses AI to personalize content and speed up campaign timelines. Customer service is also getting disrupted by AI tools that arm agents with real-time assistance in improving the quality of interactions. Makagon says she is optimistic about AI prospects, although she warned organisations they will need to deploy it thoughtfully.

Training remains the biggest challenge. "Without proper AI training, the technology won't succeed in the workplace," warns Dean Guida, founder of Slingshot. Without employees who feel capable and confident using it, they fall back into their old behaviors and habits, and the potential of AI is never tapped.

AI is already having a big impact in some areas. For example, ambient scribing in healthcare enables AI to record and summarize doctor-patient interactions to unburden the job of documentation. It does not really spike overall productivity, but it does make the job experience better because clinicians are allowed to focus on patients without the added administrative load.

The need for professional personnel remains strikingly relevant around the globe in varied industries and continues to grow in impact with the development and change of AI. Whether it be to guide your company through implementing AI or simply to add quality personnel to your payroll, Burke Recruiting Inc. stands ready to assist. We keep businesses current in a forever-altering job market by specializing in the delivery of only the finest talent. Learn more about how we can help support your recruiting needs at burkerecruiting.com.

Reference: https://www.worklife.news/technology/is-ai-your-smartest-coworker-or-greenest-intern/