Sometimes, technology makes it easier to get work done. Other times, it reshapes work in almost unrecognizable ways. That dichotomy is AI in a nutshell: It fundamentally changes work environments in ways we still can’t predict.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a field of computer science that enables software and machines to perform tasks that have traditionally been done by humans. Expectations of what AI is capable of are high—and not always accurate—as creators and innovators push the boundaries of what we think is possible. In the face of remarkable innovations, and a lot of questions, many companies and individuals are anxious to hold on to their competitive edge.
In this guide, we’ll look at the impact AI has had so far and what businesses of all sizes are doing about it. We’ll share the benefits and key applications driving businesses forward as well as the hurdles that can get in the way. Then we’ll explore how you can integrate AI into your organization—a five-step plan to help you create a path toward success.
The impact of artificial intelligence in the workplace
If your company hasn’t invested in AI, it’s only a matter of time. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce found that 98% of small businesses already use AI-enabled tools to support improved productivity, efficiency, or innovation.
That diffusion has happened shockingly fast, with businesses drawn to the incredible chance to be on the leading edge. Applications such as automation, data analysis, and speed have the potential to reduce costs, boost efficiency, improve innovation, and propel a company forward—if it can figure out how to harness AI to its advantage.
And that’s where this period of transition and exploration gets complicated.
For example, companies need specialized skills that they don’t necessarily have in-house. As a result, many organizations are turning to freelance talent for help. In an analysis of year-over-year trends in in-demand skills, Upwork saw a surge in demand for AI skills as well as related data science and analytics skills. There’s also a growing need for more hands-on expertise such as project management and administrative support.
Benefits of AI integration into your business
When AI enters the conversation, generative AI tools like ChatGPT tend to dominate because they’re the most accessible and widely used by the general public. However, other AI techniques such as machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing (NLP), and robotics can have broader applications to solve real-world problems.
Enhanced efficiency
AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, allowing teams to focus on higher-value strategic and creative work, thus increasing overall productivity.
Competitive advantage
By integrating AI, companies can optimize operations, reduce costs, and improve cash flow, leading to better financial performance compared to their competitors.
Improved decision-making
AI can turn vast amounts of information into actionable insights, enabling business leaders to anticipate market changes and make quicker decisions across the business.
Enhanced customer service
AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can be game-changers for companies. They offer 24/7 customer support, improving satisfaction while reducing labor costs and enabling the core support team to focus on more complex issues.
Greater innovation
When human workers can concentrate on the strategic parts of their roles, the environment becomes more conducive to creative problem-solving.
Risk management and fraud detection
AI can effectively find and mitigate risks by leveraging real-time data analysis, predictive analytics, biometric verification, and adaptive learning to identify, predict, and prevent fraudulent activities.
Business growth
Putting AI to use for your company makes growth possible. Adjust your team’s priorities to explore new revenue streams, accelerate product development, optimize operations, reduce time to market, enhance marketing strategies, or scale the business.
Key AI applications in the workplace
Artificial intelligence uses large amounts of data, human guidance, and mathematical probability in order to perform specific types of tasks or solve particular types of problems. The AI technologies that currently exist fall within something called narrow AI, which sounds a lot less dramatic than some of the hype around AI might have you believe. Explore key AI workplace applications, from automation to personalization, including unique uses like AI girlfriend for engagement and support.
Within those parameters, we can create complex systems that do many useful things. U.S.-based small businesses, for example, have incorporated AI into different processes including:
- Marketing and promotions
- Developing customer insights
- Communicating with customers and prospective customers
- Managing customer relationships
- Identifying potential customers
- Managing cybersecurity
Here’s a look at other ways companies are using AI in business.
Automation of tasks
AI-powered automation uses software or hardware (e.g., robots) to perform repetitive or routine activities with minimal human involvement. In the past, tasks such as data entry and processing may have taken significant human effort; now AI-powered software can automatically input, validate, and manage data. Other administrative tasks, such as managing emails or organizing documents, can be streamlined using AI assistants in a fraction of the time. Sales automation can make the transactional elements of purchases easier for customers and sellers while freeing up sales reps for relationship marketing and solution selling.
Chatbots and virtual assistants
AI is transforming customer service and internal support. With chatbots and virtual assistants, customers can access support 24/7 with interactive responses that can resolve the most common inquiries and troubleshooting issues. Problems are solved quickly, reducing the workload so human support teams can focus on more complex requests. By leveraging customer data, AI can also deliver a more personalized experience that increases engagement and loyalty.
Data analysis
AI tools excel at processing and analyzing large datasets to provide valuable insights that help your team make more informed decisions. With predictive analytics, machine learning models can help forecast trends and shifts in the marketplace. Insights are also available in real-time with up-to-date analysis.
“Data visualization is the perfect way to enable senior leadership to leverage data to make better-informed decisions,” said Aurélie Dussenne, a data visualization expert. However, a lot of companies don’t understand how to get power from the data.
HR and recruitment
One in 4 organizations uses AI to support HR-related activities, especially to reshape the recruitment process, learning and development, and performance management. AI can streamline processes such as resume screening and employee sentiment analysis and help break complex jobs into smaller tasks, making it easier to match skills to tasks and identify gaps.
Collaborative tools
Popular collaboration platforms like Asana and Zoom are rapidly expanding the capabilities of their AI assistants to improve teamwork and innovation. AI is being used to add meeting enhancements such as real-time transcription, language translation, and smart scheduling. In project management, AI aids in tracking project progress, reevaluating priorities, and following workflows.
How to integrate AI into your business
While executives in the C-suite expect AI tools to increase their company’s overall productivity levels, great road maps are few and far between; just 13% report having a well-implemented strategy and barely a quarter have AI training programs in place. It’s a small wonder that the workforce is feeling the strain.
This is a chance to do better.
Some companies have learned how to adapt to these challenges and are gaining an edge through lower operating expenses, lower debt-to-equity ratios, and a greater likelihood of increased free cash flow. Upwork calls these top performers Work Innovators and we’re working hard to learn—and share—more about their playbook.
Step 1. Identify business needs
As you consider how to incorporate AI into your business, identifying where these technologies can add value—and avoiding unnecessary tool sprawl—increases your chance of success. That means figuring out where your business’s pain points, bottlenecks, and opportunities are.
Gather across sections of stakeholders early in the process, reaching beyond leaders and department heads to get the best information. Mayssam “Sam” Naji, a Zurich-based AI consultant, observed that the leaders with a vision for AI transformation aren’t necessarily the ones who will be hands-on with the results. When he started working with one enterprise organization, for example, Naji scheduled one-on-one calls with everyone on the team. This comprehensive input enabled him to produce a better-informed solution.
Step 2. Choose the right AI tools
To select AI tools for your business, it’s important to understand what AI is capable of and whether it offers a meaningful benefit.
“AI shouldn’t be seen as the ultimate solution; it should be a tool that helps you get to the solution,” he said. “If a problem can be solved with a spreadsheet or with some simple rules, there’s no point in using AI.”
Consider which technologies best align with your business needs, then decide whether you’d benefit from a custom solution or an off-the-shelf tool:
- Compatibility. Look for tools that can integrate with your existing systems and infrastructure.
- Flexibility. Seek tools that can expand with other modules and features if your needs change and scale up if your business grows.
- Good service partner. While budget is an important factor, reputation is also essential. You’ll want a reliable vendor with a proven track record in your industry and support services to help guide you through this process.
- Cost. Compare the operational costs of each solution against implementation and maintenance. You may also have a choice between off-the-shelf and custom solutions. Existing software can generally be customized, but its capabilities will be fixed, while a custom application will be built to your specifications.
Step 3. Develop a road map
A significant challenge is that your employees are already tired of constant change. According to a survey by the Upwork Research Institute, 71% of full-time employees are burned out and 65% said they’re struggling with employer demands on their productivity.
However, employees also see great potential in AI tools. 65% believe AI technologies can increase productivity. The key to meaningful results is to implement new AI programs with realistic expectations while simultaneously building confidence and resiliency across your team.
With a change management approach, you prioritize adaptability, resiliency, and morale while managing risk and resistance. To achieve the benefits of AI, your road map might include:
- A clear endpoint. Set SMART goals and a scope that clearly defines what success looks like—whether that’s a measure of efficiency, cost savings, revenue growth, customer satisfaction, or another meaningful target.
- An infrastructure strategy. Ensure that the necessary infrastructure, such as data storage, computing power, and network capabilities, is in place. Also, consider the need to engage freelancers to help manage AI operations or facilitate the transition.
- An engagement plan Regularly talks about the benefits and expected changes connected to AI implementation. Open communication will be essential to adapt the road map as you move forward. Regular feedback will help you spot resistance and find ways to improve buy-in.
- AI champions. Enlisting champions from different teams can help troubleshoot problems, improve buy-in, and support shifts in organizational culture. By demonstrating the practical uses and benefits of AI, they serve as role models; as trusted peers, they can promote and support new ways of working.
- A robust training process. Whether formal training, mentoring, or a peer-to-peer support system is most appropriate for your organization, an environment that encourages continuous learning is essential for change management. Educational resources that build competence and comfort with technical skills and new ways of thinking can make or break efforts to integrate AI, but too often they’re inadequate or overlooked.
- Short-term milestones and long-term lessons. While your AI pilot program will be time-limited and have clear milestones, it’s important to think about long-term goals from the start. The pilot will be part of the foundation for future expansion, so watch for situations that could impact scaling or broader integration.
Step 4. Invest in training
Leaders often have high expectations for their AI implementation efforts, but they rarely have a plan to achieve those gains. Less than a third of leaders (26%) have AI training programs in place for their workforce and only 13% report a well-implemented AI strategy.
Within that gap lies much of the anxiety workers have about AI’s potential impact on their financial well-being and professional growth. In short: People don’t know what they don’t know, and AI’s rapid expansion has left a lot of room for the unknown.
With training and upskilling, you can help your team advance with self-assurance and curiosity. This might include regular workshops, e-learning, peer mentorship, industry conferences, or guest speakers. Some companies engage freelance AI professionals to mentor their teams.
Step 5. Monitor and evaluate
Any integration plan should be monitored continuously to make sure everything is progressing as expected. Setting and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) can help:
- Ensure AI-driven tools and processes are accurate, efficient, and reliable
Adjust existing and future implementation plans based on both performance data and feedback - Identify and mitigate ethical issues or biases that may emerge
Ensure compliance with legal standards
Ongoing evaluation helps you track developments across different departments and processes. Is AI working as intended? What impact are unintended consequences having on your team or your customers? How can you improve the next phase of the implementation plan?
Mayra Shaikh 
Ellysa perry