We live in a different world since 2022 when OpenAI launched ChatGPT. Based on large language models ChatGPT generates and transform texts, summarises, translates, accumulates information in seconds, creates.

Software developers, companies in every area from automotive to the financial sector, healthcare, HR, and even creative sectors perceive the revolutionary impact of generative AI.

By now it is clear that the future will be a coexistence of artificial and human intelligence. This development is different from the one during the industrial revolution, even though also AI should be seen and applied as a tool, in a conscious and ethical way.

The difference is that AI can do things we cannot do, it is faster, can process and storage an amount of data we will never be able to process or store. It can recognize patterns and connect information. AI and HI are not the same, but they complement each other.

Newest HR trends propose an approach of HR with no boundaries. HR and several other tasks in a company become a human – machine – interaction, a cooperation of HR and information technology. Particular skills and functions can and will be substituted by technology and humans who know how to apply this technology. The bigger picture instead of specific knowledge is required.

According to the World Economic Forum Talent Management is growing because it is in a transitional process. Requirements of humans are switching to something new; skills are deployed based on work needs, not on roles.

The coexistence of technology and humans on an equal level requires humans to accept the fact and embark on that journey which can not be taken for granted due to personal, educational, societal, and other reasons.

How can we prepare for the future?

The coexistence of AI and HI is a pivotal topic, and has to be organized in a conscious way considering several aspects:

1. Ethical considerations: are at the forefront of integrating AI with human society. Privacy, surveillance, bias, and fairness in AI algorithms. A continuous monitoring and updating of guidelines is required as technology and societal implications evolve.
2. Transparency and Explainability: AI systems should be transparent and their decisions understandable to users. This is important in sectors as healthcare, finance, legal, where AI decisions can significantly impact people´s lives but also in all other areas where opinions are formed. People need to be able to understand how and why decisions are made in order to trust and effectively interact with AI systems. They are a tool. The function of a tool needs to be known in detail.
3. Job Displacement and Workforce Transformation: AI automates tasks traditionally performed by humans. This leads to concerns about job displacement. It is important to focus on training and education, continuous learning as functions and roles will change, AI and HI morph into each other. Boundaries may blur and vanish.
4. Augmentation rather than Replacement: AI is a tool augmenting human abilities. Both, AI, and human skills enhance each other. This approach leverages creativity, empathy, and contextual understanding of humans alongside speed scalability, and quantitative capabilities of AI.
5. Safety and Security: AI systems become more sophisticated and powerful. Their safety and security is crucial.
6. Regulation and Oversight: We need to develop and deploy reasonable and practicable policies. National and international collaboration needs to set the standards that ensure AI´s benefits are maximized while risks are minimized.
7. Human-Centric-Design: Technology needs to meet the requirements of people and operate within ethical and legal boundaries. We need to guarantee accessibility for all.
8. Social and Cultural Impact: The impact of AI is strong. It needs to be analysed and understood properly in order to guide sensitive and positive deployments. AI should respect cultural diversity and work towards inclusiveness.

To address and implement AI, these considerations require a multidisciplinary approach, combining insights from different areas as ethics, sociology, law, and overall technology.

The digital playground

Moving towards a boundaryless HR refers to a human resources approach that transcends traditional organizational boundaries, either within the company or by involving external networks and ecosystems. This development is part of a shift in business towards more fluid, flexible structures that better adapt to the modern work environment and the global marketplace. Key aspects of boundaryless HR are cross-functional teams, external collaboration, flexible work arrangements, technology integration, decentralisation of HR functions.

A blending of humanity and technology takes place.

Technology is developing quickly. How to overcome resistance and a lack of knowledge in order to have a broad vision, initiate growth and perform?

Digital playgrounds, often referred to as innovation labs, digital labs, or hack spaces, are creative environments where employees can experiment with new technologies, develop innovative ideas, and solve problems without the usual workplace constraints. These playgrounds are designed to foster creativity and innovation in a “safe space.”

This is how digital playgrounds work:

1. Resources and Tools: Digital playgrounds are equipped with advanced technological tools and resources that employees may not have access to in their regular work environment. For example, high-end computing hardware, software for coding and development, virtual reality setups and tools, among others.
2. Collaborative Environment: Collaboration among employees of different departments and disciplines is enhanced. The space itself is often an open space where teamwork and brainstorming sessions are facilitated. Design Thinking has a similar approach.
3. Experimentation and Innovation: Employees are encouraged to use these spaces to experiment with new ideas and technologies without the fear of failure. It may be developing new products, testing new software, or exploring potential solutions to business challenges.
4. Learning and Development: Digital playgrounds host workshops, seminars, and training sessions that help stay updated with the latest technologies and industry trends.
5. Project Development: Employees can use these spaces to work on side projects or start-up ideas that are not necessarily part of their regular job duties but could benefit the company. Innovation and new business ideas.
6. Feedback and Iteration: The digital playground environment supports a rapid prototyping model, where ideas are developed, evaluated, and refined in quick succession based on feedback.

Digital playgrounds help companies drive innovation and thus maintaining a competitive edge. They also enhance employee satisfaction and retention investing in their skills´ development and individual interests without putting pressure on them. Digital playgrounds are a psychologically safe space. They help blend the worlds of AI and HI into a creative approach.

Do you have a digital playground in your company?
Share your experience!

Written by Gabriele Kamps, Content, Communication, Coaching.