The week's developments on automation & the workplace, explained | 08.01.24

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We know that AI is set to revolutionise the workplace, but how profoundly will it alter our work dynamics? Emerging research reveals AI to be a controversial performance "equaliser" - turbocharging workers who struggle in their roles, while doing little to aid those who are already productive. Whilst narrowing productivity gaps could be positive, experts warn it may inadvertently suppress salaries for top earners.

Elsewhere, more sophisticated AI is entering management roles — emotionlessly assessing performance. So a bit like working at a VC now… Jokes aside, could such precision automation spell the demise of traditional — and sometimes toxic — human bosses?

We cover these stories and more; including a Nobel Prize-winning economist's predictions on the future of AI automation and how some of the Big 4 consulting firms are leveraging AI to fast-track junior staff to partner level, in ourCogX Must Reads.

CogX Must Reads

Top Stories

💼 Is AI the great equaliser? New studies show AI disproportionately helps lower performers over high achievers across multiple white-collar jobs. This "equalising" effect promises to narrow gaps in productivity but may inadvertently lower salaries for top earners. (Business Insider)

🤖 AI can now replace your toxic boss. AI tools are entering the workplace to assess performance and support struggling staff, promising more objective alternatives to human managers. Could this tech-driven approach mark the end of traditional, and sometimes toxic, office management? (Sifted)

Future of the Office

🏖️ The future of work may mean working less. Nobel laureate Christopher Pissarides stands by his prediction that AI will boost productivity to enable a 4-day workweek. Though some fear fewer hours could mean lower pay, Pissarides believes improved efficiency will lead to a better work-life balance. (Fortune)

🧑‍💻️️ Meetings shouldn't be more than two hours of your work. A new Slack survey of over 10,000 desk workers found that more than two hours a day in meetings can negatively impact productivity. Over 50% of executives and 27% of employees reported too many meetings hampered their ability to focus on essential work. (Bloomberg)

AI & Automation

️🧑‍💼️ Big 4 consulting firms are leveraging AI to fast-track junior staff to partner level. Major consulting companies like PwC and KPMG are using AI tools like ChatGPT to accelerate promotion timelines. By automating tedious tasks, they aim to cut down on the lengthy path to senior positions. (Fortune)

🔄 Just 5% of HR leaders think AI will replace their jobs. A new Workday survey reveals most HR professionals welcome AI technologies in their workplace. Only 5% expressed concern about being replaced, while one-third felt AI would bring benefits for recruitment. (People Management)

Productivity Boosters

📖 Script.It streamlines workflow creation using natural language, provides advanced integration with external APIs, and includes pre-built agents for handling complex tasks.

💻 Netjet.io allows users to create websites with no coding required. It includes features such as powerful design elements, fully responsive websites and SEO tools.

🌐 Distribute lets users create websites and one-pagers 10 times faster than traditional methods. It features a library of optimised templates and a drag-and-drop editor.

In case you missed it

CEO of Data Scientific Cassie Kozyrkov explores the intriguing history and future of artificial intelligence, posing thought-provoking questions about AI's role in automation and the ethical responsibilities it brings to decision-making:

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