Can AI make you enjoy your work again?

A fresh report claims that new AI tools are reinvigorating workers’ passion for their jobs.

HP Amplify Partner Conference announced new findings from its Work Relationship Index that highlight how artificial intelligence (AI) can be seen as a key to unlocking better relationships with work.

Some of the key findings of the report are below:

• Only 22 per cent of Australian workers say they have a healthy relationship with work.
• AI is key to unlocking a better relationship with work – with business leaders and IT decision-makers most enthusiastic about its potential.
• Seventy-three per cent of Australian business leaders think AI will make their job easier.
• Fifty-two per cent of Australian knowledge workers believe AI will open up new opportunities for them to enjoy work. The same percentage think AI will make their job more interesting.
• Business leaders’ critical role is clear: to educate their employees on the possibilities of AI and take the lead in effectively introducing it.

Dave Shull, president of HP Workforce Solutions, reinforced these key findings: “AI represents a significant opportunity to transform our work dynamics and unlock a more positive and productive environment for all.”

“To foster greater understanding and acceptance of AI – and ensure employees know how to reap its benefits – business leaders must take the initiative to educate employees on AI’s potential and spearhead its effective integration.”

There’s a clear strain across the globe between individuals and their work; reverting to the finding that only 22 per cent of workers have a healthy relationship with their job, it shows us that solutions and strategies must be created to reconfigure this relationship.

With AI already being touted as a clear pathway towards mending this relationship, there are other key advantages that AI can offer for individuals in the workforce. Fifty per cent of knowledge workers and 71 per cent of business leaders see the role AI can play in improving work/life balance. To the modern worker, acquiring a work/life balance is extremely important; if AI can be used as a tool to further achieve that, then more workers will be more accepting of integrating it.

To a similar extent, employees also believe that AI can streamline tasks and make their jobs easier, with business leaders (73 per cent) and knowledge workers (50 per cent) agreeing with this notion.

The integration of AI tools within businesses is reliant upon that of business leaders. It’s imperative that to change the strain between individuals and their jobs, business leaders effectively communicate the benefits of AI and educate employees on how to properly integrate it into their work processes.

Doing so will help drive better business outcomes while simultaneously strengthening individuals’ relationships with work. The survey showed that uncertainty persists regarding how best to use AI and take full advantage of it. Forty per cent of respondents in Australia feel unsure of when to use AI in the workplace, and 55 per cent believed it is senior leadership’s responsibility to understand how to leverage AI so it helps them be more successful at work.

Brad Pulford, vice-president and managing director of ANZ at HP, cosigned this sentiment, stating that business leaders must be the driving force behind getting employees the needed training in regard to AI.

“In this evolving work landscape, the strategic integration of AI is a powerful force for business transformation. As leaders, we have a responsibility to lead the charge in navigating the AI landscape. We need to educate our teams about the benefits of AI and demonstrate how it can be seamlessly integrated into our work processes, shaping an environment where innovation thrives,” Pulford concluded.

“Business leaders have a unique opportunity to empower employees, drive success, and shape a future where work is not just a necessity but a source of fulfilment and inspiration.”

Kace O'Neill

Kace O'Neill is a Graduate Journalist for HR Leader. Kace studied Media Communications and Maori studies at the University of Otago, he has a passion for sports and storytelling.