The 5 Changing Trends Of AI and Their Impact On the Workplace
Evolving AI trends and how to leverage them for profitable, safe, productive use. AI has dominated headlines because it will redefine, eliminate, or transform the vast majority of industries. As AI tools become ubiquitous in everyday work, companies must implement governance to minimize risks. However, implemented strategically, AI unlocks immense potential.
Trend #1
Whether organizations are aware of it or not, employees are already using AI tools to perform their jobs. Estimates suggest that nearly two-thirds of employees are incorporating AI into their daily routines, leading to increased productivity, expanded creativity, and more efficient outcomes. However, there are also risks associated with this increased productivity. In industries requiring strict confidentiality or compliance standards, well-intentioned employees may misuse AI by uploading sensitive documents to unsecured AI tools, unknowingly exposing the company to liability risks.
Trend #2
The proliferation of AI tools exposes companies to more unforeseen risks. For example, a lawyer who used AI to assist with writing case briefings was fined for violating compliance regulations. Different jurisdictions have different policies regarding consumer data protection, and the rapid development of AI means companies may be liable for employee actions, even those they are unaware of. However, AI can also be used to reduce liability. In tightly regulated industries like insurance, “AI-Compliance Checker” tools can review marketing collateral and catch potential issues before they cause negative consequences. AI is also accepted in industries like cybersecurity, where it adds a layer of protection against human error, such as predatory phishing emails.
Trend #3
Smarter intent recognition. Rather than just processing text requests, AI will soon understand the implied meaning and goals behind them. For example, if a user asks an AI tool to remove the background from an image, the AI could infer that the user wants to create a logo for their software business. It could then check domain availability, help build a website, and suggest potential strategic partners. As AI becomes smarter, users will need less expertise in generating their own prompts, unlocking even greater potential.
Trend #4
More fluid collaboration between various AI tools. Different AI models are learning to communicate and work together more effectively than before. Previously, AI models required manual prompting and were restricted to their native capabilities (text-based AI tools returned text-based results, photo-based AI tools returned AI-enhanced photos, etc.). Now, AIs are starting to collaborate, resulting in a true “assistant” that can “think” through complex problems with expertise similar to a human.
Trend #5
Explosive growth in AI startups. Hundreds of startups will offer niche AI solutions for every conceivable industry in the next few years. While many startups will offer tremendous value and help businesses solve long-standing problems, many organizations will disappear as quickly as they launched. Business owners need access to credible vendors who are vetted regularly. Even if AI can generate financial reports, analyze legal contracts, automate supply chain logistics, and streamline complex processes, these tools are only as reliable and trustworthy as their creators.
The key is governance – establishing rules, monitoring enforcement, and course-correcting. When it comes to AI, the gains for productivity and efficiency are immense, but so are the threats if not properly managed.
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