AI is transforming how and where we work

The pandemic has demonstrated that digitization is no longer a choice for enterprises. Survival necessitates digital revolutions. Artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing are critical components of this transition. 

People are increasingly using intelligent technology and AI to work differently as large segments of the workforce become remote. Cloud computing and artificial intelligence enable new methods to connect and collaborate virtually from anywhere. They also provide innovative approaches to improving work processes and labor management. The opportunities are limitless, and there is no better time to begin exploring than right now. 

The workforce is distributed, and the workday is evolving  

The COVID-19 pandemic has hastened the transition to remote work for many organizations, and Accenture has played a critical role in assisting our clients, such as the UK National Health Services (NHS), in successfully transitioning and adjusting to a virtual working environment in a matter of weeks. During the pandemic, nearly 95% of different organizations’ staff worked remotely in practically every area they served.

Workers and organizations alike are benefiting from this new paradigm at our company and many others. Multiple sources of research data reveal persuasive evidence of the positive effects of working from home on individuals, the environment, and business finances. In reality, the majority of workers (70%) choose to work from home. And that they feel professionally fulfilled and effective while doing so.

Even when firms recover from the effects of COVID-19, a portion of the global workforce will continue to work remotely. As a result, new working arrangements will become the standard, and new work habits will be required. All of these domains can benefit from AI and intelligent technologies.

AI is changing the existing workplace set up  

• Rethinking roles and assignments to put the right people in the right job.  

When employees are not connected to a physical location, they have more opportunities to interact electronically around the globe and place them in the ideal job based on their talents and skill sets. For example, our Resource to Role Matching solution employs data and artificial intelligence to assist businesses in matching the right individuals and skill sets to the right roles in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible. Finding the best strategy to allocate personnel in this new work environment is one of the most important keys to future growth and competitive advantage.

• Redefining management and performance expectations

Because of the epidemic, there have been significant changes in supervisory duties and responsibilities, as well as expected productivity. AI engines can eliminate human subjectivity in performance evaluations because they are data-driven. Rather than relying on supervisor discretion, performance choices can now be determined using metric-based analysis. Simply said, employees who see objective evidence of their performance are more likely to trust management and believe they have been fairly evaluated.

• ​​Creating flexible work policies that align with a work-from-anywhere model 

Policies must take into account a new work environment, more flexible hours, vacation time policies, and other factors.

Companies have invested millions of dollars in a variety of programs to foster a supportive, interesting culture. While some businesses have experienced success, many still need to improve employee engagement, elevate the work experience, and increase productivity. 

Due to the new forms of collaboration, engagement, and learning that AI provides, businesses are swiftly understanding that it is the future. And in the near future, the use of AI will only grow. The time has come to be open to the potential while also being conscious of the need to use AI in a just and ethical way. To guarantee that employees are aware of and consent to the use of their data, data privacy, data security, and employee consent policies must be in place. 

AI has the potential to change the workplace when applied wisely.