How to keep work meaningful in the age of AI
The algorithm age and its consequences:
We’ve entered the age of workplace AI. Seven years ago, only 10% of large companies had integrated AI into their organization. Today, it’s over 80%.1
Just as we never could have predicted the ways the Internet would transform the workplace, the full power of artificial intelligence is yet to be known. However, current trends tell us one thing for certain: we will use AI to help us make better decisions.
AI decision aids have been shown to save us money, time, and cognitive effort.2 Whoever integrates AI correctly will have massive competitive upside.
But if decision-making is increasingly being done by highly efficient, constantly improving algorithms, what is left for employees to do? How do they find meaning and fulfillment in their jobs when they have less and less to do?
References
- Ghosh, B. (2022, January 31). Taking a systems approach to adopting AI. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved July 29, 2022, from https://hbr.org/2019/05/taking-a-systems-approach-to-adopting-ai
- Ulfert, A.-S., Antoni, C. H., & Ellwart, T. (2022). The role of agent autonomy in using decision support systems at work. Computers in Human Behavior, 126, 106987. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2021.106987
- Polonski, V. (2021, July 13). Humans don't trust AI predictions - here's how to fix it. The OECD Forum Network. Retrieved July 29, 2022, from https://www.oecd-forum.org/posts/29988-humans-don-t-trust-artificial-intelligence-predictions-here-s-how-to-fix-it
- Gagné, M., & Deci, E. L. (205AD). Self-determination theory for work motivation. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 26, 331–362. https://doi.org/10.1093/obo/9780199846740-0182
- Martela, F., & Pessi, A. B. (2018). Significant work is about self-realization and broader purpose: Defining the key dimensions of meaningful work. Frontiers in Psychology, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00363
- De Vreede, T., Raghavan, M., & De Vreede, G.-J. (2021). Design foundations for AI assisted decision making: A self determination theory approach. Proceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, 166–175. https://doi.org/10.24251/hicss.2021.019
- Tomašev, N., Cornebise, J., Hutter, F., Mohamed, S., Picciariello, A., Connelly, B., Belgrave, D. C., Ezer, D., Haert, F. C., Mugisha, F., Abila, G., Arai, H., Almiraat, H., Proskurnia, J., Snyder, K., Otake-Matsuura, M., Othman, M., Glasmachers, T., Wever, W. de, … Clopath, C. (2020). AI for social good: Unlocking the opportunity for positive impact. Nature Communications, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-15871-z
- Bughin, J., & Hazan, E. (2022, April 28). Can artificial intelligence help society as much as it helps business? McKinsey & Company. Retrieved August 11, 2022, from https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/quantumblack/our-insights/can-artificial-intelligence-help-society-as-much-as-it-helps-business
About the Authors
Triumph Kerins
Triumph is passionate about understanding how human behavior influences our world. Whether it be global macroeconomics or neural networks, he is fascinated by how complex systems work, as well as how our own behavior can help create, sustain, and break these systems. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Psychology at McGill University, attempting to design an interdisciplinary approach to better understand all the quirks that make us human. He has experience in non-profit consulting, journalism, and research. Outside of work, you can find Triumph playing bass guitar, gardening, or down at a local basketball court.
Dr. Sekoul Krastev
Sekoul is a Co-Founder and Managing Director at The Decision Lab. He is a bestselling author of Intention - a book he wrote with Wiley on the mindful application of behavioral science in organizations. A decision scientist with a PhD in Decision Neuroscience from McGill University, Sekoul's work has been featured in peer-reviewed journals and has been presented at conferences around the world. Sekoul previously advised management on innovation and engagement strategy at The Boston Consulting Group as well as on online media strategy at Google. He has a deep interest in the applications of behavioral science to new technology and has published on these topics in places such as the Huffington Post and Strategy & Business.
Sarah Chudleigh
Sarah Chudleigh is passionate about the accessible distribution of academic research. She has had the opportunity to practice this as an organizer of TEDx conferences, editor-in-chief of her undergraduate academic journal, and lead editor at the LSE Social Policy Blog. Sarah gained a deep appreciation for interdisciplinary research during her liberal arts degree at Quest University Canada, where she specialized in political decision-making. Her current graduate research at the London School of Economics and Political Science examines the impact of national values on motivations to privately sponsor refugees, a continuation of her interest in political analysis, identity, and migration policy. On weekends, you can find Sarah gardening at her local urban farm.
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