Navigating the AI Frontier

As a follow-up to the recent Novartis HR Forums, we held Part 2 of our 'Navigating the AI Frontier: Future-Proofing HR with Artificial Intelligence' series in partnership with Ralf Buechsenschuss, Modern Work - Employee Experience Lead at Microsoft at Circle in Zurich. The discussion focused on the impact of Generative AI, specifically Microsoft’s Copilot and how the rapid adoption profoundly influences three key areas: workplace productivity, creativity, and upskilling.

These AI tools have revolutionised how employees perform tasks, approach problem-solving, and develop new skills. By automating repetitive tasks and providing real-time assistance, AI-powered assistants like Copilot for Microsoft 365 allow employees to focus on higher-value activities like spending more time with customers. In today’s content-rich workplace, employees no longer need to memorise where information is stored or seek out who to ask. They can simply use natural language to access the data they need.

The integration of AI tools has significantly boosted creativity in the workplace. Tools like Copilot and ChatGPT provide valuable suggestions for brainstorming sessions, generate creative content, and offer new perspectives based on extensive datasets. This enables teams to break free from conventional thinking patterns and explore innovative solutions.

Generative AI tools are also highly effective for upskilling employees. They provide immediate assistance and contextual learning opportunities, enabling employees to acquire new skills and knowledge directly in their work environment.

What should organisations consider before implementing these tools?Technical solutions have already been developed, but companies are grappling with cultural change management and organisational readiness. Organisations need to be prepared to invest significantly in infrastructure, licenses, skilled workforces, and training to implement these projects successfully. Data quality and classification are also important areas to address. Information and data must be up-to-date, accurate, and consistently classified to ensure that confidential or sensitive information is not accessed by unauthorised employees or even third parties. Important to note is that effective data management is crucial at any time, irrespective of whether employees work with GenAI.

Success is more likely in companies with a culture that is open to innovation, adaptable to change, encourages experimentation, and values creativity. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to implementing AI tools. Understanding business processes and the best use cases for leveraging these tools to improve productivity, increase revenue opportunities, and reduce costs will be crucial to realising the benefits that are in line with the organisation's business objectives.

By automating routine tasks, fostering innovative thinking, and facilitating continuous learning, these AI-powered tools are reshaping the future of work. They empower employees to achieve more and adapt to the evolving demands of the modern workplace. As organisations continue to integrate these technologies, the potential for enhanced performance and growth becomes increasingly evident.

Our participants agreed that there is no 'silver bullet' for leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline and enhance business and personnel processes. Off-the-shelf AI tools like Microsoft’s Co-Pilot can help reduce mundane tasks and free up time for strategic projects and direct interaction with people.

Among the highlights was a case study presented by Matthias Feller, Head of HR Transformation and HR Services at Vontobel Bank, offering valuable insights into their journey with adopting and implementing Generative AI solutions in his organisation. In the future, we can expect an increase in highly customised and siloed AI implementations that learn from company data in closed environments, addressing specific business needs while ensuring data security.

We look forward to continuing our discussions on the rapid developments in this field, witnessing the biggest revolution of the 21st-century workplace and its impact on all our lives.