New report reveals a 'different story' about AI's impact on collaboration
A new report suggests that artificial intelligence tools can encourage more socialisation at work, as its findings defy the perception that the technology brings down collaboration among the workforce.
Gensler's latest poll among 16,400 office workers across 16 countries revealed that 30% are now AI Power Users, who regularly use the technology in both their professional and personal lives.
The report said these workers are spending less time working alone, more time learning, and having stronger team relationships than their peers.
This is in contrast to previous research that indicated AI adoption is making employees speak less to their colleagues, as they consult the technology more when it comes to their professional needs.
Previous research also indicated that employees would rather engage in small talk with an AI bot than with a human, as the technology offers a "private, contained, and forgiving" space where employees can vent.
"But our data tells a different story," said Janet Pogue McLaurin, Global Director of Workplace Research at Gensler, in a statement.
"The employees most embedded in AI workflows are also the ones most engaged in learning and have better team relationships. That shift signals a new and important role for the workplace."
According to the report, AI Power Users are less likely to work alone than late AI adopters. They are also more likely to socialise at work and have stronger team relationships than late AI adopters.
"Our data suggests, somewhat counterintuitively, that AI power users spend less time working alone, and more time learning, working with others virtually, and socialising, compared to late adopters," the report read.
"This may be because AI frees them from rote tasks and allows them to invest energy in relationships and creativity."
Coming to the office
AI is also making power users report to the office more, according to the findings.
Forty per cent of AI power users ranked access to technology as their top reason to come into the office, much higher than the 29% of late AI adopters.
"Despite their tech-forward habits, AI power users remain deeply connected to the human side of work," the report read. "They report more open idea-sharing, learning from colleagues, and meaningful friendships."
According to the report, there is a "clear" connection between AI adoption and learning in the workplace.
"As adoption continues to grow, learning will take on increased importance as individuals and organisations need to adapt and upskill," the report read.
But this brings a new challenge of creating a new learning-oriented workplace for employees.
The report found that factors impacting effective learning atmospheres include:
- Design look and feel
- Noise level
- Ability to rearrange meeting room furniture
- Equipped with the latest technology
- Accessible spaces to relax, recharge, and take breaks
"Spaces that support wellbeing, adaptability, and collaboration will help organisations attract, retain, and empower talent; strengthen teams as they adapt to and evolve in partnership with AI and other technological advances; and overall, empower organisations to be more connected and more innovative, now and into the future," the report read.
