Can We Trust Robots and AI?

In this article, Eric Shepherd discusses the studies that help us understand the changing relationship between employees, managers, AI, robots, and automation.

Employees, managers, and executives around the world now realize that automation, augmentation, robotics, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) are real and here to stay. The pandemic has accelerated the use of these technologies and attitudes are changing. Despite skepticism, people are starting to recognize the power of parting with technology.

Many studies have shown that the use of automation, augmentation and robotics increases productivity. A recent survey by Gartner, the consulting, and advisory company, revealed that 69% of the tasks performed by managers will be delivered by artificial intelligence by 2024.

A study conducted by Future Workplace and Oracle found that the increasing use of AI at the workplace has a significant impact on the relationship of employees with the management. Their survey of 8,370 managers, employees, and HR representatives around ten countries discovered that 82% of participants said that robots or AI could do some tasks more effectively than their management. 64% said that they trust robots more than managers, and they have a positive relationship with AI; they are happy and thankful to have robot co-workers.AI is growing stronger, with 50 percent of workers today using some sort of artificial intelligence at work compared to 32 percent in 2019. In the study, they found that artificial intelligence has modified the relationship between humans and robotics at the workplace and reshapes the part that HR executives and teams have to perform in trying to attract, maintaining, and developing talent.

Assessing Relative Strengths

When participants were asked what made AI better than employees, they stated that the technology provides better impartial data, maintains working schedules, solves problems, and manages a budget. Survey participants said managers are better than robots in boosting their emotions as well as providing quality counseling and building a positive workplace culture.

Emily He, Senior Vice President, HCM Marketing, at Oracle, said: "I think one of the bigger themes from the study is that smart use of technology can actually bring humanity back to work." Emily continued, "The study found that workers perceive AI and bots to be better at certain things than humans, but that employees also would prefer their managers to apply technology where it makes sense so they can spend more time on things like showing empathy or providing personalized coaching."

Key Findings of the Study

Artificial intelligence is now more dominant in the workplace, indicating a willingness to accept technology and a desire to see its possibilities.

Employees are welcoming the new technology with an optimistic attitude, and according to the report, 53 percent of participants are thrilled about getting robot co-workers.

The relationship between employees and managers is now changing. Employees are trusting robots more than managers. The stats show that 64 percent of employees have more faith in robots than their managers.

AI now challenges the old concepts of what managers do effectively.

AI is changing the typical roles played by managers.

Thirty-five percent think robots have impartial data, while managers provide biased data.

AI should be safe and comfortable to use, but the complications of AI technology proved to be the main reason behind the organizations not adopting the technology. 61% state that privacy and security issues are the main factors that stop them from using AI in the workplace.

81% of HR leaders and 76% of employees find it hard to keep up with advances in technology at work, the report found.

Shifting Attitudes Toward Ai

This report represents a real shift by respondents. They’ve moved from voicing reservations about AI in the workplace to being far more interested in technological advancements.

The main two issues that discourage employees from using AI at work were security and confidentiality. But several respondents stated that they needed a more comfortable working experience with AI, with participants calling for improved user interfaces (34% demanded improvement), behavioral interactions (30%), and best practice learning (30%).

AI isn't Going Anywhere

The long-term impact of AI at work is starting to become clear. Organizations can benefit by focusing on streamlining and securing AI in the workplace to take advantage of its benefits and new developments. By understanding what prevents people from using AI, organizations will then be able to build more effective and strategic approaches to address the challenges.