{"id":170495,"date":"2024-05-03T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-03T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/?p=170495"},"modified":"2024-05-02T19:51:25","modified_gmt":"2024-05-03T00:51:25","slug":"4-things-organisations-should-be-doing-to-maximise-the-benefits-and-minimise-the-pitfalls-of-ai-in-the-workplace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/2024\/05\/4-things-organisations-should-be-doing-to-maximise-the-benefits-and-minimise-the-pitfalls-of-ai-in-the-workplace\/","title":{"rendered":"4 key things organisations should be doing to maximise the benefits and minimise the pitfalls of AI in the workplace"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The integration of generative AI in the workplace offers tremendous potential for innovation and efficiency gains, but it also presents a broad range of challenges that require careful consideration and management.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms have taken the workplace by storm since they were made publicly available about 18 months ago. Text-based platforms, such as ChatGPT, are being used to write reports, prepare sales and marketing material, conduct research, analyse data, and provide chatbot services, to name just a few of the applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It should thus not be surprising that there have been longstanding projections about AI and robotics replacing humans in the workplace and in recent months, it is becoming increasingly evident since AI is being widely used when conducting certain activities.  As a result, some C-suite executives may already be planning to cut staff since AI has joined the workforce, but most experts would argue that that move is premature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without a doubt, there are several advantages to using AI in the workplace, but there are also drawbacks that ought to be considered and managed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Benefits of integrating generative AI in the workplace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When properly leveraged into the organisation, several benefits can be realised. The most widely reports ones are outlined below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, generative AI can increase efficiency and productivity gains by collapsing the time taken to complete certain tasks, be they reports, marketing or sales collateral, research, or data analysis. Generative AI can also be used to optimise repetitive tasks, thus freeing up employees’ time to focus on other activities, resulting in greater efficiency and productivity within the organisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, for tasks requiring creativity, such as product design to marketing strategies, generative AI can be especially useful in providingideas that can be jump-off points for further refinement. In other words, employees no longer have to create from scratch but can use AI-generated outputs to feed their creativity and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third, by automating tasks and streamlining certain processes, generative AI can help businesses reduce operational costs and improve their bottom line. Good examples include using chatbots for customer support and generating content for marketing campaigns, where both the cost and time savings could be significant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, and when properly configured and integrated, generative AI can help organisations offer a more personalised experience to their customer: Generative AI can analyse vast amounts of data to personalise customer interactions to produce more tailored product recommendations or marketing messages.  Ultra-personalised customer care is a growing trend and is a well-established feature on many of the global online platforms. Generative AI is levelling that playing field making it more possible for smaller organisations to deliver more relevant and engaging information, and consequently customer experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pitfalls of integrating generative AI in the workplace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As much as there are several advantages to using AI in the workplace, challenges also exist that at the very least ought to be managed. The most important ones are outlined below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, although generative AI models are trained on large datasets, there may be inherent biases in the data, which in turn can be reflected in outputs generated by the AI models. These biases may not align with the organisation, its values or culture, and could lead to erroneous and or even harmful results. Careful monitoring and mitigation strategies are thus critical to address instances of bias and unfairness that could emerge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, following from the previous point, with generative AI requiring vast amounts of data, concerns are being continually raised about privacy and data security. Most micro, small and medium enterprises, for example, are not making the investment to create their own AI model, but are using those that are freely available. However, what happens to all of the data that was uploaded and where is it being stored? As data protection increasingly becomes a priority,  measures to safeguard sensitive information and ensure compliance with regulations will become more crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, to both the Average Joe and scientists, AI models can be a black box: we don\u2019t fully understand how they generate the outputs they produce. As a result, ensuring the quality and reliability of AI-generated content remains a challenge. Further, we have all heard of AI models producing false or misleading information that is presented as fact. In the workplace, it is critical that such instances be minimised; and so robust quality control mechanisms ought to be established to verify the accuracy and relevance of AI-generated outputs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to maximise the benefits and minimise the pitfalls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although AI is here to stay and will become more deeply integrated into the workplace, it is crucial that appropriate systems and mindsets are established to help organisations navigate the changing landscape. Below are four key things organisations should be doing to maximise the benefits and minimise the pitfalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Business leaders need to put systems in place to provide ethical oversight. This includes establishing ethical guidelines for the development, deployment and use of generative AI technologies within their organisations, and ought to cover areas such as fairness, transparency, and accountability throughout the AI lifecycle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Given the rapid pace of technological advancement, business leaders need to stay informed about the latest developments in generative AI and adapt their strategies accordingly. They thus ought to foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, which may involve investing in employee training or collaborating with external experts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Engaging with employees, customers, and other stakeholders is crucial for fostering trust and transparency around the use of generative AI. It is recommended that business leaders foster a culture of collaboration and stakeholder engagement, which could include consulting with stakeholders, involving them in decision-making processes and soliciting feedback to address concerns effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with generative AI deployment should be a top priority for business leaders, as they could be harmful to the organisation. Managing risks would include conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing robust security measures, and having contingency plans in place to address unforeseen challenges.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

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    Image credit: WangXiNa (Freepik<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

     <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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