Navigation mobile icon
Mobile navigation close window icon
Capabilities icon
what we do
Expand section icon
additional services to ask about:
talent strategy & development
employee engagement & retention
total rewards
change strategy & enablement

Artificial Intelligence Is Shaping the Workforce in Ways You've Never Imagined

From cobots that collaborate with humans to HoloLens, a wearable holographic computer, AI is no longer science fiction.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has migrated from the realm of science fiction to real life and is now everywhere—at work, at home, and at play.

Believe it or not, AI as a concept has been around for literally ages. In Greek mythology, an ancient Greek god named Talos was the first robot, while inChinese culture, early precursors to modern technology were automota made of wheels and cogs that operated clocks and animated toys. But the term was officially coined in 1956, when Marvin Minsky predicted that AI would be achievable in the near future. Fast-forward to the 21st century, when IBM’s AI,“Deep Blue,” crushed international chess masters, and AI “Watson” trounced Ken Jennings at Jeopardy.

These superstar computers arguably pale in comparison to workplace AI created to facilitate work and improve productivity. According to a World Economic Foundation 2020 study, “surveyed companies indicated they are looking to expand their workforce because of deeper technological integration (34%)…and expand their use of contractors for task-specialized work (41%).”

Following are a few examples of how cutting-edge AI can boost productivity and improve the workplace environment. 

Microsoft HoloLens

The Microsoft HoloLens is a wearable, holographic computer based in mixed reality, which the company defines as the merging of real and virtual worlds to produce new environments and visualizations, where physical and digital objects co-exist and interact in real time.

Think personal VR goggles, but a lot more powerful. German manufacturer ThyssenKrupp has teamed with Microsoft to use the HoloLens for their field technicians to measure the stairs, capture digital data, and create 3-D graphic architecture models—thus streamlining the process, making the job easier, and reducing human error.

The technology is also used to aid designers in realizing plans and blueprints, allowing them preview design choices in real time with rendered digital layers over architecture, thus drastically reducing guesswork and heavy lifting—as seen in this video from Microsoft.

Cobots

First, a clarification: cobots and robots differ. Robots are designed to work freely of human interaction, while cobots collaborate with humans on simple and complex tasks to help reduce repetitive stress injuries (RSI) and workplace accidents, increase efficiency, and ease boredom and workload so employees can focus on quality over quantity.

Cobots are used in auto and electronics production and order processing—think Amazon fulfillment centers—as well as boutique companies for product packaging and food manufacturing, where the Baker-bot helps with everything from preparing ingredients to baking to packaging. Safety features include safe speeds and emergency automatic shut-offs if people venture too close.

 AI in the Workplace

In the office, mixed reality technology like the HoloLens means staffers are no longer tethered to a desk or computer--especially beneficial for workers on the move. In customer service and human resource management, chatbots have become increasingly popular and adept at assessing information from users to pass onto the employees who can best help them. Meanwhile, programs like LivePerson, a small business solution, engagingly gathers preliminary information from a user who will ultimately chat with a live person. 

 Human resource departments are using AI to streamline the process of identifying qualified candidates, manage performance reviews, and communicate with employees. Managers can spend less time sifting through resumes and focus on candidates recommended by AI innovations like iMocha, a skills evaluation tool that sorts through resumes and presents qualified candidates based on predetermined criteria—not only collecting information like traditional databases, but also making recommendations.

Despite AI indisputable future as an integral element of the workplace, questions remain. Will AI eventually replace human jobs? At what level does human intuition exceed artificial intelligence in decision-making? What happens when the workplace loses the human touch? Will there be a tipping point in industry that will see more machines on the floor than humans, and how will we handle that? For now at least, only the future holds the answers to these questions.


more insights

subscribe

Subscribe to our newsletter for regular insight and news

Our Latest White Paper!
Human Led, AI Assisted
Uniting Artificial and Human Intelligence to Combat Bias in Hiring
Download Today

more insight

Building the Foundations of a Startup Team Culture

An in-depth tutorial and set of worksheets to help startup leaders establish a positive culture from day one is now available.

Read More >>
How to Execute an Effective Total Rewards Program In 3 Simple Steps

Current workforce realities such as competing job opportunities and The Great Resignation make Total Rewards programs vital for attracting and retaining talent. Here’s how companies can do it right.

Read More >>
As Right-to-Disconnect Laws Hit Europe, Will U.S. Follow Suit?

Over the last five years, there’s been an increasing focus on laws centered around digital protections and worker’s rights, specifically the “right to disconnect.”

Read More >>
Many Companies Are Saving Incredible Amounts of Cash During the Pandemic. Where Is It Going?

By downsizing or giving up office space altogether, companies can—and should—redirect money to their employees in meaningful ways. Here's how.

Read More >>
AI & Recruiting: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence While Avoiding Bias

As employers contend with the Great Resignation, the use of artificial intelligence for talent acquisition is more important than ever.

Read More >>
Fear Drives More People at Work Than You Think. Let's Change That.

No matter how scary the prospect, striving to achieve your career goals will always yield better results than staying stuck and afraid.

Read More >>
Lack of Digital Adoption Is Becoming More Common in the Workforce, and That's Problematic

When employees fail to understand or properly utilize important tech tools in the workplace, it can have far-reaching implications and may even impact an organization’s bottom line.

Read More >>
AI Recruiting Tools May Be the Future, But Proceed With Caution

AI recruitment tools--while incredibly useful--can also introduce bias. What can companies do to ensure they increase efficiency without harming equity?

Read More >>
How Companies Can Leverage AI Recruiting to Increase Representation in Hiring

A range of approaches to designing and utilizing AI can actually help diversity hiring.

Read More >>
I Use This One Tool to Get 125% More Done

We're trending towards longer and longer work days--but by embracing a decision-making ideology and a task management tool, we don't have to.

Read More >>
New Hires Weigh In: How Do You Survive The Working World?

Navigating a new job is hard--and managing its ups and downs as a new hire during a pandemic is arguably even harder.

Read More >>
Stress Is Rewiring Our Brains. Can Training Like Navy SEALs Help Combat It?

While few employees are running miles in combat boots, mentally training like the elite military unit may help us reclaim our brains from stress.

Read More >>
Working From Home Has Changed Your Brain and Body. Here’s How.

The virtual workspace isn’t going away. Here’s how WFH is affecting us — and how these changes could reshape the workforce as we know it.

Read More >>
The Life of an HR Executive: a Roundtable Discussion

Human Resources executives are central to the success of an organization, setting the tone for how employees can contribute and thrive. Here, a few industry leaders share their insights.

Read More >>
The Ahmaud Arbery Trial's Social Justice Ramifications Affect Companies and Their Employees. Here's How.

Processing emotionally charged events can impact people in ways that are difficult to manage. What can be done to support them?

Read More >>
Artificial Intelligence Is Shaping the Workforce in Ways You've Never Imagined

From cobots that collaborate with humans to HoloLens, a wearable holographic computer, AI is no longer science fiction.

Read More >>
Yes, Your Nostalgia Is Valid. That Doesn't Mean It Belongs At Work.

As old paradigms fall by the wayside, how we shape corporate culture and do business altogether is transforming at breakneck speeds.

Read More >>
How the LGBTQ+ Movement is Dismantling the Gender Binary System

Uniqueness of identification has grown and blossomed into a spectrum of diversity, challenging the way companies think about DEIB.

Read More >>
The Big Quit: How Burnout Is Reshaping the Workforce

A number of complex forces are steering people away from the workforce, but arguably the most common one is burnout.

Read More >>
Is the 5-Hour Workday the Answer to All Our Problems?

Of all the theories that aim to engender better work-life balance, the five-hour workday is one of the most compelling.

Read More >>
Why You're Probably Using the Word "Strategy" Incorrectly

Just because you say you're operating strategically doesn't mean your plan is strategic.

Read More >>
No, You Can’t Always Just “Be Yourself” At Work. Here’s Why. 

Yes, “be yourself” is definitely sound advice--and these days, employers are known to tell their employees the same thing. But there are limits.

Read More >>
Is Fear a Barrier to Inclusion & Belonging? Why Companies Balk at Action

DEIB programs are surging across the American workplace. Why are some employers still not taking action?

Read More >>
Speed vs. Quality: The Timeless Dilemma

It's not always easy to know when to prioritize speed vs. quality in business. There may be more than one right answer.

Read More >>
Intent vs. Impact: The Communication Disconnect

Your words often don't have the impact you intend them to--which can be problematic, especially in the workplace.

Read More >>
Feedback Doesn't Have to be Scary

Giving and receiving valuable feedback isn't always an easy task. Here are some insights to help you along the way.

Read More >>
Does Unlimited PTO Work?

Unlimited PTO sounds like a dream come true. Is it here to stay, or just the flavor of the week?

Read More >>
Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace: A Webinar

Join us for a dynamic discussion with neurodiversity experts on the benefits of employing a diverse team.

Read More >>
Lessons in Biases from the Olympics

Our biases manifest everywhere--and even during our most celebrated and joyous traditions, they can leave an impact.

Read More >>
A New Norm? Exploring the Four-Day Workweek

Are we truly our most productive when we work five days a week? Recent studies suggest otherwise.

Read More >>
Reflections on LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Corporate America

For Pride Month 2021, Enspira interviewed two pioneers in the LGBTQ+ business community who continue to inspire change.

Read More >>
How to Address & Support Mental Health

Chances are we all know someone who's struggling with unspoken issues. Here's  how to recognize it, thoughtfully reach out, and help.

Read More >>
Four Steps to Cultivating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

If we want to see real, sustainable change, we all must continue to acknowledge and celebrate diversity in the workplace.

Read More >>
Caregivers: Working Women in a Pandemic

The raging pandemic has pushed people beyond reasonable limits, and has adversely affected women disproportionately.

Read More >>
Propelling Gender & Racial Equity in STEM

The world is facing monumental challenges in the time of COVID-19, widening existing gaps in racial and gender equity.

Read More >>
Your frontline managers’ capability & effectiveness matters now more than ever. Here’s what you need.

It’s now more important than ever to ensure your organization has strong people manager capability and effectiveness.

Read More >>
Disrupting Your Workplace Culture with “The 3 Bs of Belonging”

How inclusive is your organization? Simply checking the representation boxes and creating policies isn't enough.

Read More >>

explore our offerings & capabilities

additional services

Hand holding plant icon

talent strategy & development

Creating innovative talent management strategies to help build and retain a world-class workforce.

Hand shake icon

employee engagement & retention

Developing comprehensive employee engagement and retention strategies to improve productivity, reduce turnover, and foster innovation.

Gift box icon

total rewards analysis

Identifying optimal combinations of benefits, compensation, rewards, and recognition to enhance employee engagement and performance.

Potted plan icon

change strategy & enablement

Guiding organizations through complex and challenging evolutions to keep employees engaged throughout the journey.

Project development on a desk

Enspira reimagines and revolutionizes the human-work experience with innovative HR solutions that put the power of business purpose in the hands of your people.

contact us
No items found.