The GenAI roadmap

As with the introduction of any groundbreaking technology, there’s a natural tendency to jump straight into implementation. However, this excitement can lead to suboptimal results, false starts, and missed opportunities. When it comes to Gen AI, a more strategic, challenge-oriented approach is advisable for achieving meaningful and effective outcomes.

Successful Gen AI implementation lies in proof of concepts (POCs), pilot programs, and rigorous testing. These early stages are essential for allowing organizations to transition from theoretical applications to practical use cases.

Experimentation should not be aimless; it must be guided by a clear understanding of the value being sought. This means focusing on the real-world problems employees face in their day-to-day productivity and understanding how Gen AI can address these issues. Here, a human-centric approach is essential, going beyond mere functional requirements to grasp the emotional and psychological needs of the users.

A scalpel rather than a sledgehammer

Initial forays and hurried implementations of Gen AI can lead to unmet expectations. Users might anticipate revolutionary changes, only to feel let down and disillusioned. This disappointment can stem from viewing Gen AI as a magical, all-encompassing solution rather than a powerful tool designed to augment and assist with specific tasks.

To set your organization on the right path, the initial steps involve defining desired outcomes and then deploying solutions that work towards these goals, such as:

• Shortening project timeframes
Gen AI can support project management initiatives by providing content summaries, streamlining oversight, and enhancing decision-making processes.
• Increasing accessibility of information
AI tools can efficiently navigate systems like SharePoint, quickly locating necessary files, and reducing time spent on manual searches.
• Alleviating monotonous tasks
Gen AI helps sift through vast amounts of information, extracting key details, and providing insights that inform strategic decisions.

By approaching Gen AI with a structured, problem-solving mindset, stakeholders can harness its full potential to augment human capabilities, driving ongoing productivity and innovation.

Focus on the employee experience

The relevance of employee experience cannot be overstated, particularly when implementing Gen AI to enhance productivity. As businesses strive to optimize their operations, it’s important to understand how Gen AI can positively impact employees, making their work more efficient and enjoyable.

Gen AI can quickly process vast amounts of information and distill it into coherent, easy-to-read, easy-to-understand formats. This capability is transformative, allowing employees to focus on higher-value tasks rather than being bogged down by information overload. By removing the burden of repetitive, mundane, or outright boring tasks, Gen AI can make the overall working day more engaging and fulfilling.

Studies show that 50% of current tasks being performed by employees could be automated.

Recognizing which tasks can be automated, which can be augmented, which will have limited impact, and which new tasks might emerge is a fundamental part of Gen AI usage. This strategic insight also enables the development of targeted strategies for upskilling employees. As some tasks become automated, new opportunities arise for employees to engage in more meaningful work, requiring new – more human – skills and competencies.

By focusing on these areas, organizations can create a technically advanced, human-centered work environment. One in which employees feel valued and empowered in their roles, significantly enhancing the overall employee experience.

Usage in the digital workplace

Swedish furniture retailer IKEA launched an AI-bot called Billie, which has handled 47% of customer inquiries over the past two years. This result allowed them to retrain almost 10,000 call center workers as interior design advisors. The workers now provide design consultations, a suggested product list, a floor plan and 3D visuals. By reskilling employees and adopting Gen AI, IKEA was able to create a new revenue stream and broaden its offerings to customers.