The week's developments on automation & the workplace, explained | 6.10.23

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In a new experiment run by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), hundreds of consultants were tasked with using AI tools. BCG found that workers who used AI to complete relevant tasks worked more quickly and produced a higher-quality product. They also found that participants who used AI for work that requires human expertise made significantly more mistakes than those who did not. 

Interestingly, BCG found that lower-performing workers benefited most from AI tools. This supports previous findings that AI allows less experienced, lower-skilled workers to catch up to their high-performing peers.

Read about this story and more in the CogX Must-Reads — from Meta’s shockingly high break clause fee, to how AI could create a three-day work week, and why your company should rethink its hybrid work structure. 

—Charlie & the Research & Intelligence team

P.S. Did you miss some of the sessions at the festival? The CogX Festival 2023 is now available on demand! Watch inspiring sessions on the future of work, AI and leadership from the likes of Yuval Noah Harari, Stephen Fry and Steven Bartlett on our YouTube channel now.

CogX Must Reads

Top Stories

Consulting giant finds low performers benefit most from AI

A BCG study found that consultants applying AI correctly benefitted from its use — but AI allowed lower performers to close the gap with their high-performing peers. This suggests that companies which invest in teaching employees how to use AI effectively will reap the benefits. (Business Insider)

Meta paid £149 million to break its central London lease

They are the latest large corporation to cut back on office space amid the post-pandemic boom in hybrid work. The decision comes just two years after committing to rent; analysts say the payment represents seven years of rent against the 18 Meta committed to. (The Guardian)

Future of the Office

The overlooked hybrid structure: one week in the office every month

Tuesday to Thursday in the office is the most common work pattern, but bringing together an entire company for a full week of in-person collaboration across departments can be a “booster shot for creativity”. (WorkLife)

Businesses need mitigation strategies for our heating planet 

Experts forecast that heatwaves will only get worse, and studies show that extreme temperatures adversely impact job performance, business reputation, and financials. Companies need plans in place to cope with heat waves — from flexible work policies and wellness programmes to heat risk assessments. (The New Statesman)

AI & Automation

Billionaire investor says AI could create a three-day work week

Ray Dalio, who founded Bridgewater Associates and built it into the world’s largest hedge fund, predicted that AI will transform how people work: we’re “going through a time warp”, he said. However, he warned that unless interventions are made, only a segment of society will see the benefits of the AI revolution. (Fortune)

AI can make job ads more inclusive

It’s well-established that masculine-coded words — like “assertive” or “go-getter” — deter women from applying for jobs. AI tools like Gender Decoder can help companies ensure that inclusive language is used in job descriptions. (WorkLife)

In case you missed it

Check out this short film on the future of work — it presents an optimistic view of how emerging technologies will shape workforces:

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, legal or tax advice.