Companies are in a competitive rush to integrate AI into the workplace, but a Stanford University professor emphasized the importance of using this technology to “complement people” rather than completely replace them.
During a session titled “The World in Numbers: Jobs” at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Erik Brynjolfsson, the director of the Stanford Digital Economy Lab, highlighted the collaborative potential of AI and human workers. He co-authored the book “Race Against the Machine” in 2011.
Brynjolfsson stressed that forward-thinking companies will leverage AI alongside human employees, recognizing that certain tasks are more suited for humans while others are better handled by machines.
By augmenting human capabilities with AI tools, companies can enhance productivity and performance. Brynjolfsson cited a study conducted in a call center where the implementation of generative AI resulted in a 14% increase in productivity within three to four months. This approach not only boosted efficiency but also improved customer satisfaction and reduced employee turnover.
The successful integration of AI, according to Brynjolfsson, hinges on allowing humans to focus on their strengths while leveraging machines for tasks suited to their capabilities.
While some companies have downsized their workforce with the adoption of AI, others like Deloitte have used AI to enhance their existing employees’ skills and transition them into more relevant roles, thereby preventing layoffs.
Brynjolfsson cautioned against viewing AI as a direct competitor to human workers, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. He envisioned a future where automation, augmentation, and human input coexist harmoniously, leading to increased productivity and efficiency for companies that strike the right balance.
Despite concerns among workers about job security in the era of AI, industry leaders reassured that the technology is intended to handle tedious or risky tasks, allowing humans to focus on creative, meaningful, and interpersonal aspects of work.
