Why we need to focus AI on relationships
Building Stronger Connections in the Remote Work Era
The Problem of Remote Work
The shift to remote work has brought to the forefront a challenge that many companies are grappling with: the ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships among employees. This is particularly pronounced when it comes to fresh college graduates who are entering the workforce for the first time and have never experienced on-premises work culture. The transition from school to the corporate world can be jarring, with many practices that were acceptable in an academic setting not translating well to the workplace.
Additionally, managers are finding it increasingly difficult to oversee and manage remote workers, especially those who are recent graduates. Reports suggest that the Gen Z workforce, born in the late 1990s and early 2000s, is facing particular challenges in adapting to remote work. A Bankrate survey found that a significant percentage of Zoomers were planning to change jobs in the coming year, indicating a higher level of dissatisfaction and job turnover compared to other age groups.
When employees, especially those new to the workforce, feel isolated and lack the skills to form personal and professional relationships, it’s no surprise that they may feel lonely, unmotivated, and disconnected from their work.
The AI Solution
Artificial intelligence (AI) holds the potential to address these challenges and enhance employee relationships. While AI has been widely used to strengthen customer relationships, its application within the workplace is an area of growing interest.
AI-powered companion robots have already been deployed to combat loneliness and isolation, particularly among individuals who lack other means of social interaction. Research from universities such as Auckland, Duke, and Cornell has even introduced a “Companion Robot Impact Scale” to measure the positive effects of companion robots on health and loneliness. This research underscores the fact that AI can play a crucial role in addressing the loneliness and isolation experienced by a significant portion of the population.
AI can also be instrumental in fostering workplace friendships and mentor relationships. Given AI’s proven success in making better dating matches, a similar approach can be taken to create lasting and meaningful connections among employees.
One of the key advantages of AI is that it provides a non-judgmental platform for employees to ask questions or seek guidance without fear of appearing foolish or unprofessional. While human interactions may involve biases and judgments, AI is solely focused on providing the best possible answers. With the right training, AI can offer impartial feedback on an employee’s interpersonal interactions, offering valuable insights for self-improvement.
Onboarding AI
To successfully implement AI in the workplace, it’s crucial to ensure that employees trust the technology and are willing to use it. Many employees may have concerns about AI replacing their jobs, so it’s essential to introduce AI as a supportive tool rather than a threat.
Harvard Business Review has provided guidance on onboarding AI effectively. The process starts with configuring AI as an assistant that enhances an employee’s daily tasks. As employees become more comfortable with the tool, AI can evolve into a monitor/mentor, offering real-time feedback on their interactions within the company. In the coaching phase, AI becomes proactive, providing detailed feedback at the employee’s discretion. The final phase envisions AI as a teammate, capable of autonomously performing tasks in collaboration with the employee.
Throughout this journey, both the employee and AI train each other, ultimately forming a more productive and cohesive team. This approach not only enhances the employee’s job satisfaction but also leads to increased retention since valuable training and customization are at stake if the employee leaves.
Conclusion
While AI has been extensively used to foster and maintain customer relationships, there’s a growing need to utilize this technology for employee relationship-building, especially in the context of remote work. AI can bridge the gap, strengthening the bond between employees and the company, and providing guidance on interpersonal behavior. It can act as a matchmaker, connecting employees and reducing the sense of isolation that often accompanies remote work.
If we truly believe that employees are our most valuable resource, then leveraging our best technology to ensure their success should be our top priority. AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we connect and collaborate in the modern workplace, ultimately creating a more fulfilling and productive work environment.
