Title: How AI Managers Are Revolutionizing Employee Productivity and Company Growth in 2024
Date: 3 July 2024
By MaryLou Costa, Business reporter
Image: Hannu Rauma says that using AI to help him manage has "added years to my life"
In today's fast-paced business world, managing employees can be a daunting task, as seen in the case of Hannu Rauma, a senior manager at Student Marketing Agency in Vancouver, Canada. With the stress of overseeing 83 employees, Rauma was feeling discouraged and frustrated. However, everything changed when the firm implemented an autonomous AI manager developed by Inspira in November.
This AI manager assists the agency's remote, flexible employees in setting schedules, planning workloads, tracking time, sending reminders, and improving work progress. Rauma attests that this shift towards AI management has not only reduced his stress levels but also increased employee productivity, enabling him to focus on company growth.
A study conducted by Inspira and academic institutions revealed that AI managers can achieve similar success rates as human managers in motivating employees and pre-planning workdays. Additionally, when AI managers work in conjunction with human managers, the success rates increase significantly.
Despite the potential benefits of AI managers, experts like Prof Paul Thurman caution against completely replacing human managers with AI. Thurman emphasizes the importance of middle management in providing continuity, mentoring, and coaching to employees, tasks that AI may not excel at. Instead, AI managers can assist human managers in overseeing projects, identifying underperforming employees, and recognizing top performers.
Furthermore, AI managers can benefit "accidental managers" who lack natural management skills, providing clear instructions and expectations for better employee productivity. However, an over-reliance on AI management may create a perception that companies prioritize output over employee well-being.
Moreover, cybersecurity concerns arise with the extensive use of AI managers, as James Bore warns about the potential risks of intellectual property theft and system failures. Companies must carefully consider the implications of AI managers on their operations and resilience.
In conclusion, while AI managers offer numerous advantages in enhancing employee productivity and company growth, businesses must strike a balance between AI and human management to ensure a successful and sustainable work environment. It is essential to leverage AI tools effectively while prioritizing employee well-being and cybersecurity to achieve long-term success.