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AI is reshaping the workplace – but what does it mean for the health and well-being of workers?

The increasing adoption of AI in the workplace raises concerns about its potential impacts on worker health and well-being, as it could lead to job displacement, increased work intensity, and biased practices, highlighting the need for research to understand and address these risks.

theconversation.com
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AI executives may be exaggerating the dangers of artificial intelligence in order to advance their own interests, according to an analysis of responses to proposed AI regulations.
Artificial intelligence will initially impact white-collar jobs, leading to increased productivity and the need for fewer workers, according to IBM CEO Arvind Krishna. However, he also emphasized that AI will augment rather than displace human labor and that it has the potential to create more jobs and boost GDP.
Artificial intelligence is more likely to complement rather than replace most jobs, but clerical work, especially for women, is most at risk of being impacted by automation, according to a United Nations study.
Professionals are optimistic about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their productivity and view it as an augmentation to their work rather than a complete replacement, according to a report by Thomson Reuters, with concerns centered around compromised accuracy and data security.
The rapid development of AI technology, exemplified by OpenAI's ChatGPT, has raised concerns about the potential societal impacts and ethical implications, highlighting the need for responsible AI development and regulation to mitigate these risks.
Summary: Artificial intelligence (AI) may be an emerging technology, but it will not replace the importance of emotional intelligence, human relationships, and the human element in job roles, as knowing how to work with people and building genuine connections remains crucial. AI is a tool that can assist in various tasks, but it should not replace the humanity of work.
Around 40% of the global workforce, or approximately 1.4 billion workers, will need to reskill over the next three years as companies incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) platforms like ChatGPT into their operations, according to a study by the IBM Institute for Business Value. While there is anxiety about the potential impact of AI on jobs, the study found that 87% of executives believe AI will augment rather than replace jobs, offering more possibilities for employees and enhancing their capabilities. Successful reskilling and adaptation to AI technology can result in increased productivity and revenue growth for businesses.
The use of AI in healthcare has the potential to improve efficiency and reduce costs, but it may also lead to a lack of human compassion and communication with patients, which is crucial in delivering sensitive news and fostering doctor-patient relationships.
AI-based tools are being widely used in hiring processes, but they pose a significant risk of exacerbating discrimination in the workplace, leading to calls for their regulation and the implementation of third-party assessments and transparency in their use.
The potential impact of robotic artificial intelligence is a growing concern, as experts warn that the biggest risk comes from the manipulation of people through techniques such as neuromarketing and fake news, dividing society and eroding wisdom without the need for physical force.
The rapid development of artificial intelligence poses similar risks to those seen with social media, with concerns about disinformation, misuse, and impact on the job market, according to Microsoft President Brad Smith. Smith emphasized the need for caution and guardrails to ensure the responsible development of AI.
The rise of AI presents both risks and opportunities, with job postings in the AI domain increasing and investments in the AI space continuing, making it an attractive sector for investors.
A new survey by Pew Research Center reveals that a growing number of Americans are concerned about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in daily life, with 52% expressing more concern than excitement about its increased use. The survey also found that awareness about AI has increased, and opinions about its impact vary across different areas, with more positive views on AI's role in finding products and services online, helping companies make safe vehicles, and assisting with healthcare, but more negative views on its impact on privacy. Demographic differences were also observed, with higher levels of education and income associated with more positive views of AI's impact.
AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by shifting the focus from treating sickness to preventing it, leading to longer and healthier lives, lower healthcare costs, and improved outcomes.
The rapid integration of AI technologies into workflows is causing potential controversies and creating a "ticking time bomb" for businesses, as AI tools often produce inaccurate or biased content and lack proper regulations, leaving companies vulnerable to confusion and lawsuits.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to greatly improve health care globally by expanding access to health services, according to Google's chief health officer, Karen DeSalvo. Through initiatives such as using AI to monitor search queries for potential self-harm, as well as developing low-cost ultrasound devices and automated screening for tuberculosis, AI can address health-care access gaps and improve patient outcomes.
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools can put human rights at risk, as highlighted by researchers from Amnesty International on the Me, Myself, and AI podcast, who discuss scenarios in which AI is used to track activists and make automated decisions that can lead to discrimination and inequality, emphasizing the need for human intervention and changes in public policy to address these issues.
U.S. employers are using AI to quantify and dehumanize workers in the workplace, according to author Ifeoma Ajunwa.
The authors propose a framework for assessing the potential harm caused by AI systems in order to address concerns about "Killer AI" and ensure responsible integration into society.
New AI tools are being developed to help employees take control of their mental health in the workplace, offering real-time insights and recommendations for support, and studies show that a majority of employees are willing to consent to AI-powered mental health tracking.
Artificial intelligence is predicted to have a significant impact on the employer-employee relationship, potentially leading to the need for a universal basic income, according to former Secretary of Labor, Robert Reich.
The use of AI in the entertainment industry, such as body scans and generative AI systems, raises concerns about workers' rights, intellectual property, and the potential for broader use of AI in other industries, infringing on human connection and privacy.
Some companies in the Phoenix area are hiring due to the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI), challenging the notion that AI will replace human workers and negatively impact the job market.
AI has the potential to transform numerous industries, including medicine, law, art, retail, film, tech, education, and agriculture, by automating tasks, improving productivity, and enhancing decision-making, while still relying on the unique human abilities of empathy, creativity, and intuition. The impact of AI will be felt differently in each industry and will require professionals to adapt and develop new skills to work effectively with AI systems.
Artificial intelligence will disrupt the employer-employee relationship, leading to a shift in working for tech intermediaries and platforms, according to former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, who warns that this transformation will be destabilizing for the U.S. middle class and could eradicate labor protections.
A survey of 600 Floridians revealed that while many perceive advances in AI to be promising, there are significant concerns about its economic impact and implications for human security, with 75% expressing worry that AI could pose a risk to human safety and 54% fearing it could threaten their employment in the future.
Workers are experiencing high levels of stress and fear of job loss due to artificial intelligence (AI), with younger workers, employees of color, and those with a high school degree or less being more worried about AI's effect on jobs; the survey also found that being monitored at work negatively affects mental health.
The lack of regulation surrounding artificial intelligence in healthcare is a significant threat, according to the World Health Organization's European regional director, who highlights the need for positive regulation to prevent harm while harnessing AI's potential.
Artificial intelligence (AI) poses both potential benefits and risks, as experts express concern about the development of nonhuman minds that may eventually replace humanity and the need to mitigate the risk of AI-induced extinction.
Artificial intelligence experts at the Forbes Global CEO Conference in Singapore expressed optimism about AI's future potential in enhancing various industries, including music, healthcare, and education, while acknowledging concerns about risks posed by bad actors and the integration of AI systems that emulate human cognition.
Artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare must adopt a more holistic approach that includes small data, such as lived experiences and social determinants of health, in order to address health disparities and biases in treatment plans.
AI integration requires organizations to assess and adapt their operating models by incorporating a dynamic organizational blueprint, fostering a culture that embraces AI's potential, prioritizing data-driven processes, transitioning human capital, and implementing ethical practices to maximize benefits and minimize harm.
Nearly half of European workers expect a significant impact on their jobs from AI within the next year, with many feeling overwhelmed and worried about keeping up with the developments, according to a survey conducted by LinkedIn.
A majority of employees in the UAE believe that artificial intelligence will significantly impact their work within the next year, with expectations of AI's influence growing over the next five years, according to research by LinkedIn.
Artificial Intelligence poses real threats due to its newness and rawness, such as ethical challenges, regulatory and legal challenges, bias and fairness issues, lack of transparency, privacy concerns, safety and security risks, energy consumption, data privacy and ownership, job loss or displacement, explainability problems, and managing hype and expectations.
Companies that deploy generative artificial intelligence without upskilling their employees risk leaving them behind and causing significant costs, according to PwC's Tim Ryan, who emphasizes the need for training and support to ensure that workers can adapt to the technology rather than fearing it will eliminate their jobs. He believes that AI is an evolution, not a revolution, and that it will shift the roles of employees rather than replacing them entirely. Transparency and clear communication from CEOs and leaders about the adoption of AI are crucial for reassuring employees and helping them stay relevant.
A survey conducted by Canva found that while many professionals claim to be familiar with artificial intelligence (AI), a significant number exaggerate or even fake their knowledge of AI in order to keep up with colleagues and superiors, highlighting the need for more opportunities to learn and explore AI in the workplace.
Emerging technologies, particularly AI, pose a threat to job security and salary levels for many workers, but individuals can futureproof their careers by adapting to AI and automation, upskilling their soft skills, and staying proactive and intentional about their professional growth and learning.
Leading economist Daron Acemoglu argues that the prevailing optimism about artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to benefit society is flawed, as history has shown that technological progress often fails to improve the lives of most people; he warns of a future two-tier system with a small elite benefiting from AI while the majority experience lower wages and less meaningful jobs, emphasizing the need for societal action to ensure shared prosperity.
Companies that delay adopting artificial intelligence (AI) risk being left behind as current AI tools can already speed up 20% of worker tasks without compromising quality, according to a report by Bain & Co.'s 2023 Technology Report.
Artificial intelligence will be a significant disruptor in various aspects of our lives, bringing both positive and negative effects, including increased productivity, job disruptions, and the need for upskilling, according to billionaire investor Ray Dalio.
White-collar workers, particularly those in software development, information technology, mathematics, information design, legal, and accounting positions, are at the highest risk of job displacement due to the rise of generative AI, with 95% of the skills required for these jobs being effectively performed by AI, according to research from Indeed. Jobs such as truck and taxi drivers, as well as cleaning and sanitation and beauty and wellness jobs, are considered least exposed to AI due to their reliance on in-person presence.
AI adoption is rapidly increasing, but it is crucial for businesses to establish governance and ethical usage policies to prevent potential harm and job loss, while utilizing AI to automate tasks, augment human work, enable change management, make data-driven decisions, prioritize employee training, and establish responsible AI governance.