Embracing the Future: Overcoming FOBO with Generative AI and Process Intelligence 

In today’s dynamic and rapidly changing work environment, a new wave of anxiety is starting to take root among employees: the Fear of Becoming Obsolete (FOBO). As we stand on the brink of a technological renaissance with generative AI, many employees are experiencing this fear about their future role and significance in the workplace. But here’s a twist in the narrative: what if generative AI isn’t the villain in this story but a remarkable ally, poised to revolutionize the way we work? It can improve our efficiency and inject a hefty dose of job satisfaction into our professional lives.  

A shift of perspective would help us embrace generative AI’s potential, not just for efficiency but to enhance and elevate the human capability and job satisfaction.  

Overcoming FOBO: Generative AI as an ally 

FOBO stems from concerns that generative AI might supplant humans at work, making human competencies obsolete. However, this storyline is unlikely to come true. In practice, generative AI has proven to be more of an enhancer than a replacement for human efforts. It serves as a powerful tool that amplifies human capabilities, allowing individuals to concentrate on tasks that require strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence—qualities that are uniquely human. 

For instance, generative AI can handle repetitive and time-consuming tasks like simple messages and emails, reducing human error and freeing up employees to engage in more meaningful and satisfying work. This collaboration between humans and AI can lead to increased job satisfaction and a more fulfilling work environment.  

There is already wide adoption of the technology on an individual basis. Moreover, 96% of employees say that generative AI can benefit their jobs and a 40% increase in productivity is expected across developed countries by 2035.¹ 

Generative AI: Everyone’s personal assistant intern 

Seamless integration of generative AI with personal productivity tools, e.g. Microsoft Copilot and Google Duet, show how AI can assist employees in their daily tasks. They can enhance productivity, boost creativity, and reduce the time spent on mundane tasks. Whether it’s drafting emails, or analyzing data, the solutions can streamline everyday processes, demonstrating the helpfulness of AI in real-time.  

However, as a personal assistant, generative AI is something of an intern with still much to learn. While very good at somethings, like generating text, it has limited capabilities in other areas e.g. missing nuances and context in response to prompts. Training employees in generative AI use-cases can not only showcase the additive nature of the technology to the workforce, but its shortcomings as well, underlining the fact that having humans in business process loops will be required for the foreseeable future.  

Generative AI in the enterprise – The importance of training  

FOBO can be a great barrier to successful deployment of generative AI in the enterprise. However, 57%¹ of employees say that they are not receiving adequate training from their employers in generative AI tools. If people fear that the technology is going to replace them, they are going to resist its use and deployment. When they do use it, they tend to like it and want to use it more. It is familiarization and training that can help with this challenge. Training can improve employees understanding of what the technology can and cannot do, and help them get the most out of generative AI.  

Taking a data-driven approach to adoption of generative AI 

In terms of reducing FOBO, increasing employee job satisfaction and getting good returns on investment, where we choose to deploy tools like Microsoft Copilot, matters. It hinges on selecting the appropriate processes for augmentation by using process intelligence from tools like KYP.ai. You need to identify the augmentation opportunities that deliver the best results for employees instead of scattering the technology across desktops and hoping for the best outcome. Targeted deployment e.g. in a contact centre where much text-based interactions take place with customers, generative AI can significantly help employees with their daily tasks.  

KYP.ai analysis shows that the speed of achieving a return on investment could vary significantly by geography and the level of improvements in productivity that organisations can achieve. A data-driven approach that identifies the biggest points of friction in processes and the best opportunities for deployment of generative AI should deliver the best outcomes financially, for increasing employee job satisfaction and reducing FOBO.  

Conclusion 

While FOBO is a legitimate concern in the face of rapid technological advancements, it’s important to remember that, in the main, generative AI helps and augments humans at work, not replace them. By embracing tools like generative AI, task mining and process intelligence, organizations can find the best way to augment and improve the capabilities of their workforce, train them better, and make work more enjoyable for them. Consequently alleviating FOBO and harnessing the power of AI for a more efficient, innovative, and fulfilling workplace.  

Contact us to learn how you can overcome FOBO in your organisation and harness the power of AI.