Hays: Leveraging generative AI could boost productivity

The impact of ChatGPT, and other generative AI technologies, on the world of work has become a hotly contested topic globally, but Hays, the world’s leading specialist in workforce solutions and recruitment, sees an opportunity to leverage the technologies to help boost productivity in the workplace.

An increasing number of people expect AI to change the way we work in the future. In a recent LinkedIn poll conducted by Hays, 77% of respondents (over 38,000 respondents in total) said they believe that AI will change the way we work in the future, and 69% of respondents said they expect AI to replace human work in certain job roles.

Over 40% of respondents also said that they have used the tool in their work, highlighting its growing popularity and prevalence.

While it is increasingly clear generative AI has the capabilities to efficiently complete repetitive or ‘template’ tasks, it has several limitations when it comes to human skills. Instead of seeing ChatGPT as a replacement, Hays is encouraging employers to consider how technologies can be embedded to free up colleagues who possess more complex skills – those which AI cannot replicate and are hard to come by in a skills short market.

A recent survey carried out by Hays found that, 58% of employers consider there is a shortage of skilled professionals in the labour market. 

Steve Weston, Hays Chief Information Officer, said:

“Generative AI is certainly transforming the way we work, and chances are a lot of white-collar professionals have already come across it in their industry or role. However, used in the right way and remaining mindful of its limitations, we are confident that it can increase productivity which will allow both individuals to futureproof their career by focusing on the skills that matter, and businesses facing ongoing global talent shortages.”

In a recent blog, Travis O’Rourke, President of Hays Canada, provides tips for how generative AI can be integrated into the day-to-day workplace:

1. Think about what you need it for: which tasks within your role could be automated, and could you use it as a research tool?
2. Add the right plugins: how can you use the tool to save you time and provide useful assets and insights.
3. Get your prompts right: while you don’t need specialist skills to get started, there is a host of information available to help coax the most useful content from these tools.
4. Optimise your input: when using tools for fact-finding, double-check the results it provides, and consider rewriting outputs to ensure it fits your tone of voice.
5. Stay up to date on trends: generative AI is evolving constantly, so it is important to be able to use them properly.