The integration of artificial intelligence in the workplace isn’t just coming – it’s already here, and its impact will be as transformative as the introduction of personal computers in the 1980s. This insight comes from Lisa Thee, a thought leader in AI and ethical technology, who emphasizes that AI isn’t merely a solution, but a tool that will fundamentally change how we work.
“I don’t think people should be worried about AI taking their jobs, but I think they should be worried about somebody who knows how to use AI taking their jobs,” Thee explains. By 2025, an estimated 50% of the workforce will require data literacy training to remain effective in their roles. This shift isn’t limited to knowledge workers – every industry from manufacturing to construction will feel AI’s impact.
The scale of data driving this transformation is staggering. According to Thee, 90% of all data that exists in the world has been created in the last two years, and by 2025, 463 million terabytes of data will be created daily. This volume makes AI assistance not just beneficial but essential for business decision-making.
In manufacturing and construction, AI is already making inroads through computer vision for safety monitoring, predictive maintenance, and quality control. In the automotive industry, AI tools like Humaxa’s “Max” are helping design engineers navigate complex regulatory requirements, potentially cutting three months from vehicle design cycles.
Perhaps most intriguingly, AI shows promise in addressing workplace culture and inclusion challenges. Thee notes that 25-50% of employees are more willing to discuss discrimination or sensitive workplace issues with an anonymous AI chatbot than with human managers or HR representatives. This technology could provide a safer space for reporting concerns while maintaining anonymity and reducing fear of retaliation.
For differently abled employees, AI is proving transformative. The disabled community represents the third-largest user group of technology today, and AI-powered tools are creating new opportunities for workplace inclusion. Thee shares her personal experience with mild cognitive impairment, describing how AI assists with meeting management, note-taking, and calendar organization, enabling her to continue her consulting work effectively.
However, this technological revolution comes with significant environmental considerations. Training a single large language model like ChatGPT requires massive computing power – enough energy to power Sweden for a year – and each query uses a cup of water for cooling data centers. As AI adoption grows, managing data center capacity and energy consumption will become crucial challenges.
The key to navigating this transformation lies in education and adaptation. Thee, in partnership with the University of Michigan is developing courses on AI Ethics, Responsible AI, and Leading in the AI Age, preparing professionals for this evolving landscape. As Thee emphasizes, success in the future workplace won’t just be about expertise – it will require both proficiency and efficiency, enabled by AI tools.
This technological shift isn’t about replacing human workers but about augmenting human capabilities. The future belongs to those who can effectively combine their subject matter expertise with AI assistance, creating more efficient, inclusive, and productive workplaces.
About Lisa Thee
Lisa Thee is a keynote speaker, podcast host of “Navigating Forward,” and has been recognized in numerous prestigious lists, including the “Top 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics”. She also serves as a consultant to some of the world’s most innovative healthcare, and global technology companies including Microsoft and UCSF’s Center for Digital Healthcare Innovation to accelerate FDA approval for AI use in clinical settings. She is the CEO and Co-Founder of Minor Guard, an Artificial Intelligence software company focused on making children safer online and in real life. Lisa has been named to the 2022 Top Health and Safety, Privacy, and AI Thought Leaders and Influencers and Women in Business You Should Follow by Thinkers 360.