The future of work: How will AI transform the workplace?

The honest answer is no one truly knows. There is a lot of uncertainty out there, and quite rightly so. While challenges remain, such as data security concerns and talent shortages, the overall trend shows that businesses are increasingly embracing AI. 

The IT landscape has already changed considerably over recent years particularly due to cloud computing, which has substantially reduced the reliance on break/fix type services which are very much a commodity. Operating systems are more robust and secure, as is the hardware they run on, and so are applications with most services now being able to be consumed via a modern web browser. The introduction of the cloud brought about a quantum change in IT service delivery where first-class business applications can be procured in minutes with a simple subscription requiring minimal setup.  

As with cloud several years prior, now is the time to adapt and embrace AI tools. Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping the modern workplace, enhancing productivity, streamlining operations, and redefining traditional roles. As businesses increasingly integrate AI-driven tools, the workforce must also adapt to this evolving landscape. 

AI can automate repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on more strategic and creative aspects of their work. Chatbots can handle customer inquiries, AI-powered analytics provide actionable insights, and machine learning algorithms optimise workflows, leading to increased efficiency and reduced operational costs. 

For example, a marketing manager can use AI to help them identify topics for an email marketing campaign by analysing industry trends, product developments, and competitor messaging. Artificial Intelligence can then assist in crafting compelling copy that directly ties those trends to their unique offering, with a benefit-oriented subject line to drive open rates.  

AI is not only augmenting human capabilities but also reshaping job roles. While some fear job displacement, AI potentially creates new opportunities by enabling employees to work alongside and provide human oversight to intelligent systems.  

55% of companies currently use AI, with an additional 45% exploring its implementation.* Generative AI has emerged as the most popular AI technology, with 51% of companies using it for content creation, customer support, and process automation.** 

The technology is reshaping productivity, enhancing customer engagement, and unlocking new avenues for innovation across various sectors. In fact, it's becoming increasingly challenging to avoid AI as it becomes involuntarily integrated into the workplace. For example, those on Microsoft 365 will find Copilot, an AI-powered productivity tool embedded into the apps that you use every day, like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and others. Google has also rolled out Gemini (a family of multimodal AI large language models) to millions of their Workspace app users.  

For companies that do not want to be part of the AI revolution or employers that expressly prohibit the use of AI, the avoidance of AI will pose an increasingly difficult challenge that will require constant updating, communication, monitoring, and enforcement of AI policies. Prohibiting AI use may also put the company at a competitive disadvantage, potentially affecting its ability to attract talent or keep pace with industry advancements. 

AI is expected to contribute over $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, and businesses are allocating up to 20% of their tech budgets to AI, with 58% planning to increase AI investments in 2025**. The UK government has recently announced a £14 billion investment commitment as part of their ambitious AI Opportunities Action Plan aiming to position Britain as a global leader in AI. Other key aspects of this plan unveiled were dedicated zones to speed up planning for AI infrastructure, a new library to unlock the value of public data for AI development safely, measures to boost AI training in schools and colleges and a dedicated council to address energy demands related to AI development. The government will also use AI to improve public services, reducing administrative tasks and enhancing efficiency as part of this plan. 

Concerns about data privacy, algorithm bias, and the ethical implications of automation require careful consideration. There is an absolute need for control and compliance, which is why the world's first certifiable AI governance standard has been introduced. The ISO/IEC 42001 AI management system standard provides valuable guidance for this rapidly advancing and business-inevitable technology, addressing the unique challenges AI poses. It sets out a structured way to manage considerable risks and opportunities associated with the use of AI, balancing innovation with governance.  

The key to success is balancing AI automation with human expertise and creating a collaborative and adaptive work environment. By leveraging AI effectively, companies can unlock new possibilities, boost productivity, and shape a smarter, more efficient future for the workforce. 

*https://www.teneo.ai/blog/ai-ascendancy-unveiling-top-ai-statistics-and-trends-for-2025 

**https://www.hostinger.co.uk/tutorials/ai-statistics