Hailey C.

For years, we’ve been talking about the “future” of work and its potential implications, but the future quickly became the present! AI isn’t the future- it’s our reality, and while there are still some unknowns, there are some things we do know!

1. AI is becoming increasingly integrated into our lives overall- work, personal, etc.
2. AI will undoubtedly change the way we work.
3. AI can be used to our advantage if harnessed properly. AI Misuse is bound to happen because, humans.
4. Diversity and Inclusion implications and needs extend to AI.

Most workplaces utilize either Microsoft or Google Suite products. In only a matter of months, we’ve seen a swift adoption and integration of AI technologies into the products that we’ve been using for years. Co-pilot and Gemini, to name a couple, can be used as partners to make our everyday lives easier if used to their full potential. That isn’t to say that education isn’t necessary for the entirety of their benefits to be realized, but more-so to say that with some intentionality, the Now of Work doesn’t have to be miserable. But while we see these technologies being unveiled, behind the scenes, lawmakers are tasked with creating comprehensive and effective AI governance measures.

As with everything else, safety is paramount and even AI is subject to governance or guardrails that ensure AI tools and systems are and remain safe and ethical while balancing innovation and transparent decision making. AI governance is an integral piece in creating and maintaining rules and guidelines geared toward ensuring AI standards are fair, safe, and adhere to human rights policies. A group of leaders at MIT have already provided U.S. policymakers with a set of policy briefs that outline a practical approach to overseeing AI. The guidelines put forth so far seek to address three key areas:

• Compliance and Trust: With AI’s increasing integration into organizational and governmental operations, governance ensures compliance, trust, and efficiency in AI development and application.
• Learn from Missteps: High-profile incidents like the Tay chatbot learning toxic behavior from social media interactions and biased sentencing decisions by the COMPAS software underscore the need for governance.
• Public Perception: Proper oversight prevents AI from causing significant social and ethical harm.
  
  

In navigating the Now of Work, prioritizing safety and ethical governance is vital to harnessing the full potential of AI while upholding human rights and transparency. By embracing these principles, we can shape a future where AI enhances our work experiences responsibly and sustainably.