Don’t Get Left Behind: Embracing AI for Business

To stay ahead of the competition, businesses have to embrace innovation and keep up with cutting-edge tech. Many companies across industries have been utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for years, but the topic has recently bolstered a tremendous amount of attention due to increased access to powerful tools like OpenAI’s Chat GPT. The use of AI can be very polarizing, and granted–it has its setbacks–but the reactionary denial of its potential won’t benefit you in the long run. Exploring the use of AI, its benefits, and some of its challenges could help revolutionize how companies operate. 

Everyday AI

Almost any company can take the computing power of an AI like ChatGPT and optimize it through its own proprietary interface for industry-specific tasks. AI can streamline processes, enhance decision-making, and improve overall efficiency. Not every company is going to have or need powerful AI engines for daily operations, but AI can still be a powerful asset. One of the most common ways AI is implemented is through data analytics. 

AI doesn’t have to be extremely sophisticated in order to analyze vast amounts of data. There are dozens of tech companies that create AI to help quickly identify patterns, trends, and correlations that could take humans weeks to decipher. For example, AI can analyze customer preferences, behaviors, and purchasing history to deliver personalized marketing campaigns that enhance customer engagement. Recruiters and HR professionals frequently use software that implements AI algorithms to quickly filter thousands of applications to find the best possible candidates. For nearly every operational problem, AI provides a possible solution.

Potential Setbacks

The optics of AI are still being workshopped, so it’s unclear whether fully embracing or being tactfully selective about the way businesses use AI will be rewarded. At the moment, feelings are polarized. Everyone, from customer service representatives to designers, is concerned about AI. Enough people in the creative industry are worried to the point where they’re willing to strike to protect their interests. This leaves businesses in the challenging position of deciding the best route to take before a consensus has been collectively reached. 

Even more concerning, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) warns that employers could potentially be liable for using AI tools as part of their candidate selection process. At this time, it can’t be guaranteed that AI eliminates bias. In fact, it can actually perpetuate it in some cases. HR representatives need to be mindful of potential civil rights violations when they utilize these selection tools.

For daily operations, businesses may need to start considering incorporating an AI policy in employee handbooks or manuals. Training seminars could be held to ensure EEOC compliance for all team members involved with the hiring process. In other cases, clear-cut policies could potentially prevent lawsuits for wrongful termination over ethically “questionable” AI use. For example, maybe management hasn’t had a chance to receive training on AI tools that can benefit the company, but there are employees that surreptitiously use AI to shorten their workdays at home. It’s a good thing when we can work smarter, not harder, but not to the detriment of your business. Clarifying company expectations is always important, especially as technology advances.

The Takeaway

Even if AI has been around a while, it hasn’t been around long enough for technology experts to predict how it will impact humanity as a whole. There are some detractors who warn of AI’s destructive potential. Their analysis is that without some sort of regulatory end goal, there’s no telling what an AI is capable of. Some experts maintain that AI capabilities are nowhere near the nefarious levels naysayers claim. In this regard, I think we have a lot to learn from the story of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Left to his own devices, the apprentice cuts corners to accomplish the tasks commanded by the Sorcerer. Overconfident and inexperienced, the Apprentice winds up making a huge mess of everything. When the Sorcerer returns, his wisdom and expertise allow him to use his own magic to return things to normal. 

To tie things back to reality: like magic, AI has the theoretical potential to do anything–good or bad, but only if we don’t know how to wield it. If you would like to discuss ways to legally protect your business and develop workplace policies that work with our new AI-driven world, contact Chris Butler with Agenzia.