Weighing the Pros and Cons of Using AI
Anything in excess can turn a blessing into a curse. And any medicine that’s taken too much can become a poison. So the question begs, is it the same case for AI? Artificial intelligence in the workforce isn’t anything new. But the science and engineering of making intelligent machines is continuously advancing and always bettering the simulation of human intelligence in machines. There isn’t any doubt that technology is an essential part of the development of humans and the work world, but we do walk a thin line between evolution and mistakes that could lead to disruption or destruction.
While this conversation can speak to AI as a whole, it can also be understood within the work world. AI is constantly advancing in how it serves the workforce across every industry. Everything from the medical industry to the transportation industry is being shaped by the advances of AI.
Pros:
Artificial intelligence can improve workplace safety
Improved safety in the workplace is a big pro for AI. Artificial intelligence, unlike humans, doesn’t get tired, sick, or stressed, which are the three main causes of accidents in the workplace. AI robots can easily collaborate with or replace humans for tasks that are considered dangerous. This is especially important in industries such as construction, engineering, chemical plants, and skilled trade construction workers and contractors. These are generally considered high-risk jobs where the incorporation of AI can decrease the rate of human accidents and increase workplace safety.
AI can automate mundane tasks
This is one of the best selling points for AI in the workplace. Integrating AI into your company in a way that relieves your employees from mind-numbing mechanical and mundane tasks is a great way to not only increase employee satisfaction, but also to give them the space and time to invest most of their energy into creativity, innovation, project building, and relationships. This shift ultimately increases the success and growth of your business while also keeping employees happy. Even something as simple as bookkeeping or planning with a custom stationary and custom printed pen, versus an app or platform can make a world of difference for productivity, communication, and organization. All thanks to AI.
AI can offer accessibility for those with disabilities
Virtual assistants, the most modern rendition of AI, can perform numerous tasks from making phone calls to navigating the internet. Commonly integrated into smartphones, artificial intelligence is already all around us making our day-to-day living easier or, at least more automated. Bringing AI to the workplace can help increase accessibility for those who would otherwise have a more difficult time working. Especially for the hard of hearing or visually impaired, having AI around to support their ability to work can radically change accessibility for the disabled.
Cons:
Artificial intelligence replaces workers
One of the biggest worries about bringing AI into the workplace is that it can replace the jobs that would otherwise be taken by humans. As AI, robots, and other software and hardware become more affordable, it’s easy to bring them in to replace human jobs. AI doesn’t need everything that humans need including sick days, lunch hours, bathroom breaks, benefits, salary, company uniforms, or promotions. AI can effectively make many blue and white collared jobs redundant, which could actually make the whole feel of your company more robotic and less human. A good example of this is self-checkout robots, which automate the check-out process at the grocery store. While this is an easy job to automate, it also makes the shopping experience less human and personal for customers who maybe want a more engaging experience. This is an example of how AI can also affect the customer and client experiences of your business.
AI poses dangerous privacy risks
Surveillance is all too easy when it comes to AI. When workers comment about their concerns with introducing AI into the workforce, their first concern is that they’ll become redundant and their second biggest concern is that they’ll lose privacy. When AI is introduced into all corners of a company, it’s hard to maintain a sense of privacy. Technologies that may seem harmless, such as facial recognition technology, can actually be used for passive, warrantless surveillance without anyone knowing about it. Data-driven systems can also threaten workers’ interests and rights to privacy and autonomy. We all know that big companies are constantly tracking your behaviors as you’re browsing the internet and even listening while talking on the phone, and some employees may not feel comfortable with their company having access to all of their digital information and data.
While the pros and cons of using AI in the workforce aren’t exactly tipped in one direction, it’s also difficult to know where the balance lies. It’s a thin line between too much AI and not keeping up with the evolution of the world and your industry. Deciding to implement AI into your company is a personal decision based entirely on your business’s unique needs and operations.