- People analytics
AI offers various innovative ways of workplace and workforce management. According to a survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers, 40% of human resource functions in organizations, both small and large, are now using AI-augmented applications in their operations. Most of these organizations are based in the US, Europe and Asia. Accordingly, most organizations are beginning to see the value of AI in supporting workforce management.
The AI-enhanced practices in organizations are helping managers obtain knowledge about people even before hiring them because it allows managers to obtain data about their potential employees.AI also helps analyze the safety and health needs of staff and address the concerns conclusively. Algorithmic decision-making can serve well in supporting the workforce to align their performance feedback and pay and the costs of the workforce with the business strategy. AI is also critical in performance management through data analysis.
- Chatbots and cobots
New factories are characterized by huge robot arms that help humans perform repetitive tasks like building and assembling car parts. These are the areas that humans once dominated. Robots are replacing human workers in assembly lines in factories and areas once occupied by human employees. In dangerous areas where humans are subjected to various risks, AI-based robots have replaced humans and are doing well. While robots were first built to carry out simple tasks, they now have increased capabilities and are built to think using artificial intelligence, allowing them to perform more complex tasks. Cobots are also integrated into factories and are working side by side with human workers collaboratively.
Chatbots, another AI-enhanced tool, is helping deal with many customer service queries, freeing human workers to work on more complex and important tasks. Chatbots in workplaces are increasing customer satisfaction through the timely answering of queries while reducing the cost of operations.
- Wearable technologies
Wearable self-tracking gadgets are becoming common in places of work. This is made possible by the growing market for industrial and healthcare wearable devices predicted to hit over $20 billion this year. In warehouses and factories, GPS, RFID, and hepatic sensing armbands are being increasingly adopted as companies seek to ensure the safety of their employees and the efficiency of workplaces. Virtual reality functionality like HoloLenses and Google Glasses, as well as other gadgets like computer tablets, allows workers to carry out their duties for several hours easily.
- Gig Work
The gig economy has grown tremendously, and many people have capitalized on technological advancements to perform their tasks remotely. This is another area in that AI is making an impact. Gig work basically entails using online applications or platforms like Uber, Upwork and Fiverr to carry out work. Work can be done online using computers in homes, cafés and libraries. Some of the tasks involved include translation and design, some of which are carried out with the help of artificial intelligence. AI helps those platforms offering gigs work to assess customers and score them, making it easy for workers to know who they are dealing with. Furthermore, AI recommends tasks and workers and customers, respectively, making it easy for them to access people with the right skills for the job.
