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Generative AI (GenAI) has become a cornerstone of the workplace over the past two years, revolutionizing industries from banking and retail to healthcare. Despite the obvious opportunities, the human impact of generative AI should not be overlooked, writes Avanade’s Russell Todd.
As GenAI transforms our work environment, we must ask ourselves: What are the real, tangible benefits? In addition to increasing productivity, how does GenAI impact creativity, communication and workplace culture?
At Avanade, we sought to answer these questions through a seven-week study involving the largest pilot cohort for Copilot for Microsoft 365 (M365) during the Early Access Program. We investigated the impact of this tool on communication, creativity, trust, job satisfaction, belonging and organizational behavior. The findings offer critical insights for businesses trying to balance technological advancements with a human-centered workplace.
Creating space for creativity and innovation
While GenAI is known for its ability to study vast amounts of data and gain intuitive insights, it can also act as a springboard for idea generation and creative thinking. Our research shows a 5% increase in participants’ ability to develop sustainable plans and plans for new ideas – demonstrating Copilot’s ability to support structured thinking.
However, it is essential to recognize the role of human ingenuity alongside artificial intelligence. Tools like Copilot for M365 can support the articulation and execution of ideas and are also an effective starting point for top-line ideas. With AI, the overall employee creativity and innovation score increased by 2% to 82% since last year. Added to this was the approval of accepting new ways of working from 80% to 89%.
While this all paints an optimistic picture, it is also important to note that there was a reduced preference in the pilot group for engaging in tasks that required original thinking. It is clear that artificial intelligence can streamline processes and enhance structured creativity. But businesses must prioritize developing their employees’ capacity for original thinking to foster a truly innovative workplace.
Openness in communication in the workplace
Thanks to Copilot, every employee, anywhere, can now become a better communicator. Copilot for M365, integrated into applications such as Teams and Outlook, can help improve the clarity and efficiency of employee interactions. Transcripts of meetings and actions provide accurate and accessible records, reducing the possibility of misunderstandings.
But how did this affect the perception of the tool by employees?
An Avanade survey revealed that before the study began, 72% of employees felt cautious about their communications in anticipation of Copilot being used to transcribe meetings. However, after six weeks of use, 45% of employees felt less guarded about their communications – a significant shift towards more open communication as familiarity with the tool increased.
On the other hand, there was a 5% drop in team information flow ratings – from 74% at week zero to 69% at the end of the study – signaling a learning curve as teams adapt to the new way of working. The research also revealed a small decrease of 3% in overall communication and a 17% decrease in the guarded communication category, indicating early signs of a natural shift from caution to increased openness.
This is why business leaders need to cultivate a culture of experimentation and learning around AI, with a strong focus on rapid training. Recent research by Microsoft and LinkedIn found that only 20% of Australian AI power users receive rapid training, compared to 37% globally. With the right guidance, employees can not only improve their communication skills, but also use intuitive prompts to drive innovative solutions.
Ruling in the overall culture of the workplace
Overall, we have seen several positive aspects of Copilot in the workplace. But there is work to be done to foster a better sense of belonging.
The study found that 85% of respondents felt a sense of accomplishment in their work. Technological adaptability increased to 86%, indicating that the tool can facilitate or support technical skills and adaptation to new tools.
In terms of belonging, while 85% reported that the sense of camaraderie and support from team members remained stable throughout the study, the mean scores for belonging and teamwork decreased by 2%. While this indicates that there has been no significant disruption in workplace relations, the slight decline indicates the need for greater consideration and improvement.
As GenAI becomes more integrated into the workplace, organizations need to understand the dynamics of employee relationships, as technology is only one piece of the pie. Building a strong sense of belonging and collaboration requires a multifaceted effort that includes leadership, culture, and engagement strategies.
At Avanade, we’ve found that curated experiences with targeted resources and communications can help support a more human-centric approach to AI adoption. The results of our research confirm the importance of a pragmatic approach to the adoption of GenAI in the workplace. While innovation at scale is important, the path to successful GenAI adoption lies in finding the right balance between leveraging the technology and preserving the human elements that make workplaces vibrant and innovative.
About the Author: Russell Todd is the Modern Workplace Area Leader at Avanade in Australia.
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