Can AI improve employees’ relationship with work?

Artificial intelligence (AI) could be the key to improving the deteriorating relationship workers have with their work, according to both workers and employers.

Overall, seven in 10 business leaders (72%) and IT decision makers (70%) see the role of AI in improving work-life balance. More than half (54%) of knowledge workers agree.

Three-quarters of business leaders (75%) and 58% of knowledge workers also believe AI can streamline tasks and make their job easier, finds a report by HP.

In growing economies, 76% of knowledge workers think AI will make their job easier and 75% more interesting, compared to 48% and 44%, respectively, in mature economies.

"AI represents a significant opportunity to transform our work dynamics and unlock a more positive and productive environment for all," says Dave Shull, president of HP Workforce Solutions at HP. “To foster greater understanding and acceptance of AI – and ensure employees know how to reap its benefits – business leaders must take the initiative to educate employees on AI’s potential and spearhead its effective integration."

Deteriorating relationship with work

This is crucial, especially as only 27% of employees have a “healthy” relationship with work, according to HP.

On top of that, 58% of knowledge workers globally say that expectations from them have increased over the past three years.

The majority of business leaders (67%), IT decision makers (65%) and knowledge workers (57%) agree that “we must rebuild our relationship with work from the ground up”.

Four in 10 executives believe that investing in generative AI will deliver the biggest boost to productivity in their organizations, according to a previous report from Mercer.

Hindrances to using AI effectively

However, there seems to be some obstacles on the way to the successful use of AI at work, according to HP’s survey of more than 15,600 respondents across 12 countries.

Overall, 42% of individuals feel unsure of when to use AI in the workplace, and 41% feel ill-equipped to harness AI’s full potential in their role.

The majority of both business leaders (73%) and knowledge workers (66%) are advocating for proper AI training,

"In an evolving work landscape where businesses are striving to unlock heightened engagement, retention, and productivity, as well as keeping their employees inspired, the strategic integration of AI emerges as a potent force for transformation,” says Stella Low, chief communications officer, HP. “Knowledge workers around the world are looking to senior leadership to show them how to navigate the AI terrain effectively: the stage is set for business leaders to seize the opportunity to both empower their employees and drive success."

With the wide adoption of GenAI tools across companies, it seems most employers do not have the necessary tools in place to make for a smooth transition for their workers, according to a previous global report from Gallagher.

Integrating GenAI into workers’ training

Here are some of the ways employers can integrate GenAI into workers’ training, as HR practitioner Matt Pittman, shares via the Brandon Hall Group:

• Use GenAI to create personalized learning experiences that are tailored to workers’ individual needs and interests.
• Use GenAI to create practice exercises that mirror real-world experiences.
• Use GenAI to create training materials such as articles, tutorials and presentations.
• Use GenAI to automate administrative tasks such as scheduling, grading and providing feedback.