AI IN BUSINESS: THE "WORK-BALANCE" PARADIGM

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern workplaces, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) has been nothing short of revolutionary. Similar to the Industrial Revolution's profound impact on society, AI presents a groundbreaking force impacting our future. 

This evolution is naturally capturing the attention of business makers and global leaders, as AI represents a pivotal space where the individual intersects with the collective. During the last World Economic Forum in Davos for instance, barely an hour passed without mention of artificial intelligence, carrying its share of hopes and concerns.

"AI is amongst the key technologies of our time and will have a lasting impact on society, economies and politics and an important role to play in tackling the global challenges we face."

-Alexandre Fasel - Swiss State Secretary.

At the BIRD, we also recently addressed this very topic with several cutting-edge Talks. Here are some of our key takeaways.

Today's world of work has no shortage of challenges, such as the digital transition, the reduced demand for some skills and an increased need for others, or the overall faster pace of work. In the face of these changes, AI can be seen as a part of the problem... or of the solution. Either way, by anticipating change, we can turn challenges into opportunities.

AI tools have for instance recently seen significant innovations to measure employee well-being, such as the technology developed by the Swiss Start-Up Virtuosis, for detecting the first signs of burn-out. Lara Gervaise, the company’s co-founder is convinced that AI is an ally for employers and employees alike, in enhancing our well-being at work: 

"We need to pay more attention to team stress levels. AI can help us do so by analysing our tone of voice during online-meetings, while preserving the anonymity of the people involved ", she said at the Talk  organised last January at the BIRD by the CCIG. 

Paradoxically, this approach uses AI to foster genuine human connection in the workplace. Organisations can boost engagement and retention by preemptively addressing stress factors and promoting employee contentment.

AI's transformative capabilities extend beyond well-being to improving performance through innovative tools and strategies. With smart technology becoming increasingly integrated into daily work routines, tools for optimisation and prioritisation are emerging symmetrically. 

The synergy between well-being-focused AI solutions and efficiency-enhancing tools underscores the importance of a holistic approach to workplace evolution.

Digital expert Marco Barber advocates for AI-driven efficiency. During a Breakfast Talk at the BIRD on 26 March, he explained how he champions the valorisation of soft skills (emotional quotient, social skills, analytical and creative thinking), combined with optimising workplace processes:

Looking ahead, AI solutions offer an unprecedented opportunity for global workplace enhancement, encompassing both employee welfare and organisational goals. By fostering creativity, resilience, and long-term success, businesses can create environments where individuals thrive as much as they contribute, leading to longevity and stable productivity.

Under this light, and with the necessary ethical safeguards in place, the possibilities are endless. This new paradigm offers a remarkable chance to shape a world in which technology helps enforce a constructive work culture, thus redefining our professional landscape. 

Editor’s note: all images in this article have been generated with Adobe's AI