Panic and possibility: What workers learned about AI in 2023

The year 2023 marked a significant shift in the perception and utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. AI, a technology that mimics human intelligence, has already revolutionized our work processes and is poised to continue doing so. OpenAI, a leading AI research lab, launched its chatbot, ChatGPT, just over a year ago. This chatbot, capable of engaging in human-like conversations, has rapidly become an integral part of many workers' daily routines. AI has transitioned from an abstract concept to a practical tool that enhances efficiency and fosters innovation. However, this technological advancement has not been universally embraced. Some individuals view AI as a potential threat to their job security, sparking a contentious debate throughout the year.

The most prominent AI trends in the workplace in 2023 demonstrate the transformative impact of this technology on our work practices. They also provide insights into how AI might continue to evolve in 2024, given its rapid pace of development. Many employees have incorporated AI into their daily tasks, particularly for time-saving administrative duties and basic ideation. This is particularly prevalent in knowledge-based occupations, where AI has the potential to liberate workers to focus on more creative and complex tasks. Some individuals even utilize AI to craft their resumes and cover letters in their quest for employment. However, as AI usage proliferates, some employers have attempted to restrict its application in the workplace due to concerns about potential misuse or data breaches. Consequently, some employees who heavily rely on AI have resorted to clandestine methods to maintain access to these tools, with online communities offering advice on how to covertly utilize AI at work.

Initially, it was widely believed that AI would primarily replace roles that are easily automated, such as customer service chatbots and grocery delivery robots. However, as AI has evolved over the past year, it has become evident that it could also disrupt more complex, knowledge-based roles previously deemed 'safe' from automation. Some creative professions are already under threat. For instance, text-to-image generative AI programs can produce stunning illustrations and photorealistic renders in mere moments, tasks typically performed by highly skilled commercial art teams. A report published in March 2023 by Goldman Sachs estimated that AI capable of content generation could potentially replace a quarter of all work currently performed by humans, equating to a loss of 300 million jobs across Europe and the US. Despite these alarming projections, there are still numerous roles that AI is unlikely to perform in the near future. These include jobs that require soft skills, such as emotional intelligence and creative thinking.

As AI becomes more pervasive, some experts posit that it is more likely to augment human talent rather than replace it. For example, while a robot may be capable of detecting cancer, most patients would prefer a human medical professional to deliver the diagnosis. Workers are already leveraging ChatGPT as a personal assistant, using it to draft emails, plan itineraries, and project costs and timelines. More broadly, professionals are utilizing AI to help eliminate bias in decision-making processes. Some large corporations are already implementing data-driven recruitment strategies to assess candidates' qualities and match them with suitable vacancies. While AI will undoubtedly eliminate some jobs, it will also create new ones, such as data engineers, governance specialists, and a variety of training roles.

AI may be the current technological trend, but it is not the first to disrupt the workforce. Technological advancements have consistently evolved over the decades, from the advent of automation in mechanics to the introduction of office computers and wireless internet. Experts advise that instead of fearing the threat of AI, it is more beneficial to view it as a tool. The optimal strategy is to adapt, learn, and embrace the technology. Education and training are crucial for employees to understand AI and its potential benefits for their specific roles, as well as to develop new skills. Rather than avoiding AI, employees should plan to embrace and educate themselves about it.