Companies increasingly are using artificial intelligence in various ways in the workplace. Harvard Business Review reports 35% of global companies are using AI, and the global AI market is expected to reach $1.85 trillion by 2030.
Although AI can help employees optimize productivity and efficiency, the human factor still must be considered. A primary focus on technology may bring unwanted human costs such as reducing job satisfaction, motivation and mental well-being, according to Harvard Business Review.
Recent studies published in the Journal of Applied Psychology show a connection between using AI and people feeling more isolated at work. Overall, the results showed the more employees collaborated with AI to complete tasks, the more they felt socially deprived as work took over their entire day. Lack of connection to humans during the workday spawned a strong desire to connect with other people at work, leading employees to take action to reconnect. However, despite taking action to reconnect, the employees still reported feeling isolated and lonely, which made them more likely to resort to alcohol and suffer from insomnia.
Harvard Business Review recommends taking the following key steps to navigate the challenges and opportunities of AI in the workplace.
- Monitor well-being. Conduct regular surveys, check-ins and feedback sessions to help address issues before they become bigger problems. Metrics such as employee engagement, job satisfaction and perceived social support should be tracked as closely as output and productivity.
- Redesign workflows. Instead of simply layering AI on top of existing processes, companies should redesign workflows to consider the unique strengths of humans and machines. Employees should have opportunities to collaborate with AI in ways that enhance their autonomy, sense of control and feeling that their job provides them with a sense of purpose.
- View AI as a tool. The goal of deploying AI systems should be to enrich employees’ jobs. The efficiency these systems create is an opportunity to support employees’ social and emotional needs. For example, AI can take over more tasks while leaders create dedicated spaces and times for employees to connect face-to-face, such as with team-building activities, social events or casual coffee meetups.
