We often don’t realize it, but when we critically examine our daily schedules, it becomes apparent that they are often illogically organized. A significant portion of the workday is not spent on the core tasks for which professionals are hired. Research shows that only about 25% of work time is actually devoted to core tasks. The rest of the time is filled with preparation, meetings, administration, and escalations. This leads to inefficiency and lower productivity than could be achieved.
If you listen carefully in the workplace, you’ll hear many complaints about busyness and not getting to the important work. Yet, we often fall behind without properly looking for a solution. Meanwhile, a solution is often closer than you think!
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) offers new possibilities to address this inefficiency. AI can take over and accelerate routine tasks, allowing professionals to spend more time on their core tasks. This not only results in increased output but also in higher employee satisfaction, as they can focus on work that truly matters.
AI and Routine Tasks
Much of the time currently lost on non-core tasks can be recovered by using AI. For example, consider the automatic processing of administrative tasks, such as inventory management, order processing, or handling simple customer service queries. AI systems can perform these tasks faster and more accurately than humans, leading to fewer errors and smoother processes.
Additionally, AI tools can assist in preparing meetings by gathering agenda items, preparing relevant documents, and even automatically generating meeting minutes. This enables professionals to prepare better and use meeting time more effectively.
Optimization of Planning and Escalations
AI can also be used to optimize the planning and allocation of tasks. By employing machine learning algorithms, patterns in workflow can be recognized, and tasks can be assigned more efficiently. This prevents unnecessary delays and ensures that everyone in the team is optimally utilized.
In the case of escalations, AI can help by automatically assessing the urgency of issues and directing them to the right person or department. This reduces the time spent resolving problems and ensures that important issues are addressed more quickly.
No Expensive Tools Needed
It’s important to note that utilizing AI doesn’t necessarily mean that companies have to invest in expensive tools and complex processes. Often, significant efficiency gains can be achieved by developing the right skills within the team. This means that employees need to learn where AI can be most effectively deployed and how to use AI tools properly.
A key aspect of this is developing skills in ‘prompting’ AI. This means that employees learn how to give the right questions and commands to AI systems to get the desired results. By using effective prompts, professionals can get much more out of AI tools and make their work more efficient.
The Gap Between Technology and Humans
A common problem within organizations is that while there is investment in AI technology, the guidance and training of employees are often overlooked. This results in a significant gap between technology and humans, causing the investment in AI to not be fully utilized.
The lack of training and guidance means that employees do not know how to use AI tools properly or how to integrate the technology into their daily work. As a result, the potential of AI remains untapped, and efficiency gains are not realized. This is a waste of investment and leads to frustration among employees, who feel that the technology hinders rather than supports them.
Conclusion
Integrating AI into team workflows can lead to a significant improvement in efficiency and productivity. By automating routine tasks and managing planning and escalations more intelligently, professionals can focus on their core tasks. This results in higher output and a better work experience. It doesn’t always require expensive tools or complex processes; often, developing the right skills is enough to make optimal use of AI.
Moreover, it is crucial for organizations to invest in the guidance and training of their employees to bridge the gap between technology and humans. Only then can the full potential of AI be realized, and teams can truly benefit from the advantages AI offers. Companies that invest in this will reap the benefits of a more focused, productive, and satisfied team. AI offers potential far beyond what we are currently utilizing. By understanding and learning how to use AI effectively, we can radically transform our work processes and prepare our teams for the future.