The benefits of working for an organisation moving towards AI tech and automation

We all know how AI and automation are changing the way we work. From my perspective, I believe that cutting-edge technologies such as these will only serve to enhance our existence, even against those who fear “the rise of the machines.”

After all, back in 2017, management consultants McKinsey released a paper suggesting automation (read: AI) could affect up to 375 million workers globally by 2030, as it partially or fully displaces a variety of occupations. Fast forward to 2022, and consultants have now noted that the pandemic has increased the adoption of automation and AI.

However, anyone who, like me, reads about AI regularly knows that a solo AI-powered device or machine – often in place to perform one repetitive operation – poses no threat to humanity. Rather, the opposite is true: such intelligent automation can perform mundane tasks, freeing up our creative human minds to pursue more significant interests. Disconnected from each other, devices using AI will continue executing a (human) given task.

I believe a company investing in AI and automation has an advantage over the competition. One that has its eyes on a bright future, on the new era of work, and one that already understands the benefits of adopting future tech. So, that leads to the question, why wouldn’t anyone want to work for such a company?

By deploying the right AI technology, an organisation can save time and money by automating routine processes and tasks. And AI, of course, can help deliver real-time data, enabling faster decision-making. That faster decision-making leads to greater efficiencies, fewer costly errors, and, ultimately, a better place to work!

Human error – often caused by the monotony of performing repetitive tasks – will decline. 

Given the suitable applications, AI has the potential to make all our lives safer and less stressful. Job satisfaction will be more significant, as humans are called upon to exercise greater creativity and thought. For those currently in mundane jobs, those jobs may well be taken over by machines, but so-called “blue-collar” work will still be available in machine maintenance and repair.

Now is potentially a period of significant change, as people who entered jobs considered unfulfilling will be able to seek more challenging roles. And yes, those roles may involve re-training or upskilling, but I don’t see a problem with anyone striving for a better life, greater job satisfaction, and safer, less arduous, more rewarding work.

And while we are already seeing the rise of AI in low-level, repetitive tasks, studies have already suggested that organisations frequently achieve the highest performance improvements when humans and machines work together.

Accessing information is key to many businesses success or failure. Employing AI to do the gathering and analysis opens the door to a whole new world – from employee efficiency to greater client or customer satisfaction, not to mention better stock and logistics control. From board members to marketeers, the entire organisation will benefit from more data, excellent data analysis, and real-time decision-making.

An IT behemoth Infosys report revealed that 1600 senior business decision makers at larger organisations across seven markets saw a clear link between revenue growth and their level of organisational AI maturity. Those reporting faster revenue growth were more likely to have advanced AI maturity.

Furthermore, the survey respondents saw AI as a long-term strategic priority for innovation. 76% of respondents said AI is fundamental to strategic organisational success, while 64% believe their future growth depends on large-scale AI adoption.

To ensure we fully utilise AI’s power, I believe we should consider AI a practical, effective way of augmenting rather than replacing human capabilities.

Ultimately, we can look at the new work paradigm from two perspectives: from the point of fear, apprehension, and distrust; or from the point of excitement, knowledge, and trust. Which will you choose?