Embracing AI for Enhanced Productivity: Balancing Benefits and Ethical Considerations in the Use of AI for Work

Recently, we ran a survey on the use of AI by African professionals for work and learnt most interestingly that 85% of AI users, didn’t want to disclose that they were AI users. Amongst other interesting titbits, the survey data also revealed a growing trend of adoption, with 65.4% of individuals between the ages of 26 and 30 already using AI-powered tools.

Although the introduction of generative The rapid development of technology in our era has given rise to artificial intelligence (AI), which is revolutionising the modern workplace. Instead of replacing professionals, AI empowers us with tools that enhance our productivity. This field of computer science focuses on creating intelligent machines and systems with human-like intelligence, enabling them to learn, solve problems, and make decisions.

AI tools have generally been well-received in many offices, but concerns about their impact on the economy and job stability persist. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2025, AI may replace 85 million jobs worldwide but might also create 97 million new roles. Therefore, it is important for professionals to understand that these AI tools are intended to contribute to economic growth by enhancing productivity, rather than replacing human effort or intelligence.

To ensure a harmonious collaboration between humans and AI technologies while mitigating the risks associated with AI usage, professionals should adhere to the best practises and guidelines through specific measures that need to be implemented. Some of which are:

1. Conduct risk assessments and prioritise data security: For instance, when we watch movies on Netflix, our choices contribute to AI’s understanding of our preferences, enabling it to recommend movies in the future. Therefore, professionals should be mindful of the information they provide to AI-powered tools, considering the security threats and privacy concerns associated with them. It’s essential to exercise caution when sharing work-related data to prevent data theft, phishing emails, and malware attacks.
2. Transparency: Opinions were split in our survey, with half of the participants agreeing that AI tool usage should be clearly stated and the other half disagreeing. It is still advised and ethically sound for professionals to disclose their use of AI generative tools in their work deliverables to their organisations.
3. Define boundaries for AI usage: Professionals must be cautious when sharing data with generative AI tools, as not all work-related information should be shared or inputted into these tools, as they can potentially compromise sensitive organisational data.

In conclusion, even though generative AI tools have the potential to unlock productivity in the modern workplace, professionals should recognise their benefits while being mindful of ethical considerations. By adhering to the best practises and guidelines, professionals can effectively use AI tools to boost productivity while maintaining a harmonious collaboration between humans and AI technologies.