AI-human workplace collab: Incorporating AI into everyday work

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• November 28, 2022

Insight summary

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are transforming humans’ relationships with their work. Collaboration between humans and AI workers in the workplace is expected to increase. Still, employers need to ensure that human workers trust AI technologies for the partnership to be effective.

AI-human workplace collaboration context

Artificial intelligence technologies are being integrated into business operations across diverse industries. Over time, AI systems will continue to absorb more responsibility in businesses as they become more sophisticated. This shift will require companies to reevaluate their organizational structures, investing in training and development programs that can help employees transition to new roles. 

Meanwhile, a 2020 report by Deloitte discussed the concept of human-machine teams that work together to complete tasks termed “Superteams.” Such collaborations has the potential to outperform humans and machines working alone. The study explains that humans are often poor judges of their limitations regarding AI-human superteams. And in many cases, it may be better for AI to be in control and delegate to humans when the system is in doubt.

For example, an auto insurance company seeking to automate part of its claims processing may find it more effective to have AI handle most of the claims. Meanwhile, a human agent is available to assist with complex cases, allowing for a more efficient workflow and preventing human error. In addition, human workers can have their impact multiplied tremendously through collaboration with AI technologies. Whereas as of 2020, online grocery solutions provider Ocado Technology uses an augmented reality system for warehouse engineers that overlays information with the physical world and helps them control complex robot devices in different parts of the world. 

Disruptive impact

Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform work where humans and intelligent machines collaborate to co-create new solutions and experiences. Collaboration between AI and employees can improve job satisfaction and productivity while creating new employment opportunities. For instance, AI can augment human capabilities, providing real-time data and suggestions that humans may not be able to discover independently. Additionally, AI-human collaboration can help reduce bias in decision-making and improve communication between people of different backgrounds or areas of expertise. 

However, there are also some downfalls to consider. One is that AI systems may not always be accurate and may periodically provide misleading or incorrect information. Additionally, humans may not trust or understand the recommendations made by AI systems, leading to tension or conflict.

And, if not appropriately managed, AI-human collaboration can lead to increased workloads and job stress for human workers, as they may feel pressure to meet the speed and accuracy of the AI. Finally, trust is crucial in effective collaboration between AI and human workers. Human workers may believe that AI technologies will surpass their jobs leading to hostile attitudes and requiring organizations to expend efforts in creating a positive transition to collaboration between AI and humans.

Implications for AI-human workplace collaboration

Wider implications of AI-human workplace collaborations may include: 

• Wearable technologies such as exoskeletons powered by AI systems allow human workers to conduct manual labor tasks safely.
• For those companies that invest in the mass production and integration of automation technologies, some populist governments may create legislation to mandate that a specific workforce quota be composed of human workers.
• Quicker transition to hybrid and remote work styles as employees will be able to collaborate with their AI counterparts virtually.
• Rising concerns from worker unions regarding how companies will handle workplace accidents involving robot workers and human employees.
• Robotics and artificial intelligence technologies such as drones to be used by field officers in war. 
• Enhanced real-time decision-making in critical industries, as AI-driven analytics provide instant insights leading to more effective responses.
• Increased reliance on virtual training programs, enabling employees to adapt to evolving job roles in a rapidly changing work environment.
• Governments introducing tax incentives for businesses that effectively integrate AI with human labor, promoting technological advancement while maintaining employment levels.

Questions to consider

• What else can governments and enterprises do to ensure that people are continually hired and retained alongside AI technology?
• How can human workers ensure that AI technologies do not replace them?