As we enter an age of huge technological transformation, we find ourselves at a crossroads between the old and new ways of doing things. The digital innovations have already transformed many features of the modern world; from automated and more efficient business processes to the way we shop as well as major advances in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare and marketing.
As we go towards 2020, AI is becoming more prevalent and with its ability to redefine the world of work comes issues and some discomfort. As AI technology takes a more key role in our lives, understandably anxieties are propping up about what this will mean for the future. Here at Jaggu we feel it is are responsibility to be part of the conversation about how these anxieties can be addressed and dealt with, to ensure we are all working towards the same positive results. If we can responsibly anticipate AI problems then we will be able to deal with them before they arise. If we do not recognise people’s anxieties, we risk seeing all the brilliant positive outcomes of these technologies lost beneath fear and negativity.
Communication is key
One of the key anxieties within the work place stems from the fact that there is often a lack of communication internally about new technologies. With this lack of communication comes mystery and confusion. Organisations have a responsibility to be completely transparent with their employees when they adopt new systems such as ours here at Jaggu. This transparency will ,in turn, reduce anxiety and create more buy-in within companies. If leaders clearly communicate what AI is being utilised, its benefits, goals and the possible repercussions of it, employees will be more open about communicating their concerns, in turn, and seek reassurance before any potential tension escalates.
Seek cross-board support
It is really essential that the whole board agrees on the benefits of bringing in AI systems before you do. A unified front will make it less concerning to employees and ensure that positivity trickles from the top down.
When implementing AI, clear and open communication with any anxieties will assuage them before they get lost in a quagmire of confusion.
Public Policy
Our own government is beginning to get involved with the conversation. In recent years they have been developing an ethical framework when it comes to the use of data and AI. Here at Jaggu we fully support these efforts to create regulation as we feel it is essential to have public trust.
Augmentation as assistant not enemy
It is also of vital importance that we communicate that AI is here to enhance working life and not replace it. There are so many fear-mongering narratives and the only way to address these to highlight that these technologies enhance jobs and do not eliminate them.
If you head to our Jaggu website, you can see our case studies as proof of how other companies have already adopted AI and seen daily improvements to their working life.
Talking helps
What is clear is that it is only through communication that the full rewards of AI can be realised. Once organisations start having a clear discourse on the balancing of AI with worker’s needs, fears can be assuaged and problems conquered together.
By placing employees at the front of these technological processes AI emerges as an assistant to humanity and not a replacement. A friend and not a foe.
