Microsoft: Delegating the routine to robots — AI is an "opportunity for humans to be more human."

Although the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become common in many work environments, few workers are still integrating this technology into their daily lives. The conversation around AI has undeniably grown, and many believe it can make their lives easier, but the question remains how to implement its use effectively. AI, which has come to stay, requires more companies to adopt it in order to experience its benefits.

Rob Smithson, leader of Business Applications at Microsoft in the UK, shared his perspective on the impact of AI on the future job market. According to him, there is a significant opportunity for small businesses, emphasizing that having tools to remain competitive is not an unattainable luxury. Smithson states that AI can be an ally in reducing workloads and improving processes, allowing companies of all sizes to act swiftly.

Microsoft highlights AI as a leveler, especially for small organizations that do not have the capacity to hire large teams. For example, it suggests that AI can handle manual tasks in the design of human resources workflows, which not only decreases the effort required from the team but also allows them to focus on more relevant aspects of the project.

However, this does not necessarily imply a reduction in the workforce. Smithson argues that rather than eliminating jobs, AI will transform certain roles, allowing those who previously performed more repetitive tasks to migrate towards positions that generate greater value, such as data analysis. Human interaction remains fundamental, and workers seek answers that come from people they can trust.

A study by 3M supports this idea, revealing that 40% of respondents believe AI will free them from minor tasks, improving their productivity. However, there is a contrast, as more than a third of technology workers express concern over the potential for AI to lead to job losses in the next five years.

Microsoft, however, views this context as an opportunity, especially for technology leaders who can provide significant value by understanding and applying AI in their businesses. By positioning themselves as AI experts, these leaders can take advantage of the benefits this technology offers rather than being affected by its implementation.

The company mentions success stories, such as Virgin Atlantic, which reported a productivity increase of up to 80% after adopting software like Microsoft Copilot and GitHub Copilot. The conclusion of this discussion is clear: AI is already impacting the way we work, and seemingly, the opportunities it offers will become clearer in the months and years to come.