Microsoft states that AI will enhance productivity and the well-being of employees
Dispelling common misconceptions surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential adverse effects on employment, Microsoft Corporation has offered valuable insights into its approach to AI development and ethical considerations.
Addressing a virtual session at the Microsoft Africa AI Journalists Academy, Ayanda Ngcebetsha, Director of Data and AI at Microsoft South Africa, and Trusha Vanmali, Business Program Manager at Microsoft South Africa, emphasized that AI is poised to enhance productivity rather than replace jobs.
They highlighted, "The significance of AI tools in summarizing reports, conducting precise research, facilitating language translation, and managing multiple meetings in a single day, all while optimizing available time, should not be overlooked."
The pair observed that while 2023 marked the mainstream adoption of AI, 2024 is poised to be the year when AI tools will liberate time for more creative and gratifying cognitive tasks.
Ngcebetsha highlighted that AI, although omnipresent, operates subtly alongside us to amplify creativity rather than impede it. He mentioned Copilot, an AI tool, as an example that could assist content developers in tasks such as writing, coding, summarizing, and searching for specific information like charts and tables. This, in turn, enables them to produce high-quality reports in a more efficient timeframe.
"Copilot functions as a personal assistant seamlessly integrated into various digital applications, offering support with tasks such as writing, coding, summarizing, and searching. Additionally, it aids users in decision-making and comprehending extensive data. The recent advancements in large language models have made Copilots feasible, enabling them to understand natural human language and generate responses, create content, or take actions within different computer programs," he explained.
He further noted that Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are more inclined to leverage AI for boosting productivity rather than reducing workforce. According to the Microsoft director, based on the corporation's data, minimizing headcount ranks lowest on the list of priorities for leaders seeking value from AI.
After 'boosting productivity,' leaders' primary aspirations for AI include assisting employees in performing necessary yet repetitive tasks and improving employee well-being.
"They also aim to eliminate time spent by employees on low-value activities, enhance employees' capabilities, and accelerate the overall pace of work," he explained.
He emphasized, "By embracing AI as an ally, we can enhance our productivity in our areas of expertise. AI is designed to work alongside humans as a daily companion." He expressed that AI has the potential to alleviate the burden on humans, noting that while AI has mostly operated on autopilot thus far, the next-generation copilots will actively collaborate with people.
"Organizations that adopt AI will unleash creativity and enhance productivity for all, ushering in a new era of productivity growth and value creation," he remarked.
During the virtual session, Business Programme Manager Trusha Vanmali underscored the advantages of AI functioning as a copilot, particularly for journalists.
Vanmali emphasized that AI, in its copilot role, features a conversational assistant tool that elevates creativity and delivers more precise results in search engines. As journalists, AI contributes to increased productivity, heightened creativity, and streamlined workflows.
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