Generative AI can help boost productivity in the workplace, expert says

Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly popular, especially with chatbots such as ChatGPT blowing up online. But many people may still have questions about how the technology is being used, especially in work environments.

Scott Batemen, the scientific director of the Research Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at the University of New Brunswick, said the most common use of generative AI currently involves accessing a search interface, but it may become more integrated down the line for workflow purposes.

"You can imagine, as you're typing an email, you know, being able to access ChatGPT to ask for help, or to help you draft different parts of the email," Bateman said.

"Or it might even be taking an active role and advising you on maybe … you're coming across as too frustrated or too emotional, maybe you should use language like this that's more neutral, or maybe you need to use a more professional tone."

Generative AI systems are trained on large datasets and programmed with rules and algorithms. They can then create text or multimedia such as images, music or video based on a user's request.

Bateman said AI comes with a huge responsibility because ultimately, the user is still responsible for the content it produces. 

"While it can be a tool for us to use, we have to go through very carefully and make sure that it's, you know, creating reliable and trustworthy information," he said, adding that generative AI also runs the risk of creating bias within the information it produces.

Still, Bateman said it can be a helpful tool, or a collaborative partner of sorts, in the workplace, taking on repetitive or simple tasks that don't necessarily require a lot of skill.

Jon Barry, a partner with the digital team in MNP's Saint John office, already has experience with generative AI in the workplace.

Barry said he uses it for simple tasks such as transcriptions. His company also uses Microsoft programs such as Copilot, an AI companion, to help serve clients, he said.

For example, Barry said MNP will use AI to help accelerate the process of putting together a proposal for a client.

Cathy Simpson, the CEO of TechImpact, a New Brunswick organization aimed at growing the economy through technology, said using generative AI could handle tasks as simple as summarizing a meeting or taking notes to save workers time.

And while AI might seem like a new technology, she said we already have examples of it being used in everyday interactions, such as customer service chatbots.

Simpson said she believes the uses for AI in the business world will be "limitless," but that doesn't mean there won't be challenges.