Empowering employers: the advantages to adopting artificial intelligence in the workplace

Enrique M Stile
Marval O'Farrell Mairal, Buenos Aires
ems@marval.com

Lucía I Abadín
Marval O'Farrell Mairal, Buenos Aires
liab@marval.com

Introduction

In today’s world, we are witnessing exponential changes driven by the technological revolution. One of the most notable changes is the increasing adoption of remote working and even transnational services. In fact, those responsible for controlling personnel and/or making hiring decisions have begun to fulfil their tasks remotely.

Traditional provisions of space and time are being changed. The new workspace is in cyberspace and the cloud, and new forms of access are being provided through networks and applications.

The emergence of technology

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as an important tool for employers in this new world of remote work. AI has helped to regain some of the faculties that had been lost over time and has provided the adoption of new hiring modalities. With AI, digital interaction with employees does not directly translate into a loss of control, as it allows for the creation of a thorough record of all the interactions that occur in the workplace.

The use of AI and other means of interaction has transformed the way labour relationships develop today. Mobility, presence and availability at all times and in all places are key elements in this new model, in which the employer feels that they are somehow able to be close to their employees again.

In this new model of work, employers assign tasks and provide guidelines for achieving goals and objectives through a variety of technological means, such as algorithms, networks and specially designed applications. An algorithm can even be used to determine the suitability of a candidate for a specific position, taking into account their training, achievements and ability to meet goals, among other factors.

The benefits

The adoption of computer applications and algorithms in the workplace has simplified the procedures for registering and controlling employees, allowing for the collection of data from a wide variety of sources. This has helped to rebuild an employer’s ability to control, choose and define production models, which had been lost in practice despite being recognised in labour regulations.

In addition to registering and controlling work interactions, computer applications have also become an important tool for improving productivity and business success. Algorithms, based on the predetermined organisation of preselected data, generate a base of new alternatives to explore in order to improve results.

The use of technology in the workplace allows for most processes to be carried out anywhere in the world and in places that are convenient for each organisation, allowing for the continuous renewal, recycling and reinvention of the tools and devices used. The innovative nature of technology drives the constant updating and refinement process, increasing the effectiveness and scope of each tool.

In fact, a survey conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD),[1] based on employers and workers in the manufacturing and finance sectors in seven countries with high technological development, shows that most of the employers that have adopted AI in the workplace report a positive, rather than a negative, impact on productivity, satisfaction, management and health and safety.

Furthermore, the interaction generated by AI allows for the expansion of the spectrum of potential workers, reducing the fear around hiring remotely.

Likewise, the use of algorithms and automation in decision-making processes can help to reduce the risk of human error, which can often occur due to factors such as fatigue or distraction. By relying on objective parameters and data driven analyses, employers can make more accurate decisions that are less prone to errors or bias.

In addition, the use of algorithms and AI can also help to identify patterns and trends that may not be immediately apparent to human decision-makers. This can lead to the discovery of new insights and opportunities that may have otherwise gone unnoticed, allowing employers to make more informed and strategic decisions that can ultimately benefit the organisation as a whole.

Moreover, the use of algorithms and AI can help to ensure greater consistency and fairness in decision-making processes, particularly in situations where multiple individuals or groups of people are involved. By applying the same set of objective criteria and parameters to each decision, employers can help to reduce the potential for bias or discrimination, promoting a more equitable and inclusive workplace culture.

Indeed, the existence of these technological tools is not only beneficial for employers, but also for employees. The ability to demonstrate skills, achievements and goal accomplishments through these tools allows employees to strengthen their position and demonstrate their worth, even when working remotely.

This can be particularly useful in situations where employees are working in remote teams or collaborating with colleagues from other parts of the world, as technological tools allow them to stay connected and work together effectively. Additionally, these tools can help foster a sense of community and collaboration in the workplace, despite the physical distance that may exist between team members.

In fact, a survey conducted by Microsoft[2] revealed that out of a total of 31,000 employees interviewed from 31 different countries around the world, 70 per cent would prefer to delegate work to AI. Moreover, 76 per cent of the surveyed employees would be comfortable using AI for administrative tasks, 79 per cent for analytical purposes and 73 per cent for creative work.

Conclusion

In short, the implementation of technological tools in the workplace contributes to improving the efficiency and productivity of a company. Greater efficiency and productivity can translate into better products, services and more competitive prices.

As technology continues to advance, businesses that prioritise the integration of these tools are likely to gain a competitive edge and achieve long-term success.