We are constantly hearing about AI (Artificial Intelligence). Some of it positive, some negative. One thing is clear: It’s already dramatically changing how we work. Some tasks it helps us perform with ease in a fraction of the time. It can write, analyse data, create images and automate tasks. Great for productivity, right? Sometimes. However, it can cause problems. It is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, and caution is needed when using it. Let’s explore this further.
Where AI can go wrong
AI learns from information and data given to it by humans. The data it grabs from online, may be out of date for example, or it may mix up the facts. If the data AI uses is biased, so will the output that it provides, leading to unfair decisions being made. You can see the problem. AI is only as accurate as the information it has at its disposal.
Should AI Fill Job Roles?
It’s true that AI can perform certain tasks that us humans can only dream of doing so quickly. And less wages to pay is also a financial advantage to any employer. The fear is that this will result in fewer jobs in some industries. However, the sole reliance on AI would be a dangerous move for any employer. As we have mentioned, AI is not perfect, it can malfunction or break-down. This would be a big problem to any business that is dependent on it.
Another thing to consider is that if AI could take over certain work tasks, it could turn them into solo roles that previously required teamwork. While this may boost efficiency, it could also reduce collaboration and creativity, as team members miss out on exchanging ideas and problem-solving together.
There are also the legal concerns. If AI has created the content for you, who really owns it? If a member of your team has created it, it’s all yours! And when it comes to making decisions, you can’t beat human commonsense (usually 😆) and experience.
There is one area in particular that AI will never be able to fulfil, and that’s tasks that require a human touch. Situations that require sympathy, empathy and an emotional response will always be better handled by humans. And relying too heavily on AI will lead to a lack of genuine human interaction, which is not good for customer service or your staff morale.
Setting Up AI Safely in Your Business
Before you dive headfirst into using AI, it’s important to set it up properly—because the last thing you want is AI (or your team) getting access to information it shouldn’t. AI should be a tool, not a security risk.
One big concern is who has access to what data. If AI has unrestricted access to company data, or if staff accidentally feed it confidential information, you could end up with some serious security issues. Some AI tools store and analyse the data you input, so you need to be sure that what you are feeding AI is safe to share.
To keep things under control:
- Lock down access – Make sure AI can only pull from the data it actually needs, not every sensitive file in your system.
- Set permissions for staff – Not everyone should have the same level of access. Decide who can input, retrieve, or act on AI-generated information.
- Think before you type – Train your team to be mindful of what they share with AI. If you wouldn’t put it in an email to a stranger, it probably shouldn’t go into AI either.
- Use AI tools with security in mind – Some AI systems store everything you input, which can be risky. Choose tools with strong security controls that let you manage access and protect sensitive data.
Getting AI set up properly might take a little extra effort, but it’s worth it. Done right, it’ll be a powerful asset, not a liability.
The Best Way to Use AI
AI can compliment and enhance the output of your workforce if used in the right way. The safe way to use AI is to always:
- Check the content that AI gives you for accuracy
- Make sure humans have the final say on the big decisions
- Train your team to use AI well
- Have clear rules on the use of AI within your business
- Stay up-to-date with the laws around AI
Conclusion
AI is a great tool to have at your disposal. Yes, it can enhance productivity, but only if used correctly. If not, it can be a waste of time, cause confusion or worse. Use AI with care. Figure out where you can use AI within your business to compliment, not replace your team, and teach them how to get the best from it.
If you have questions about how you can use AI within your business, please get in touch and we can help you make the most of AI, safely.
