According to Fei-Fei Li, an American computer scientist, “AI will impact every industry on Earth, including manufacturing, agriculture, health care, and more.” With the increased digitization, most industries are embracing AI with open arms to improve their processes and increase productivity. As we witness the role and relevance of AI in every sector, we must understand why it is so important for businesses and what role it plays. 

Importance of technology and AI 

• Improves communication

Technology has altered the way people communicate with each other. Communication within organizations is no longer limited to phone calls, emails, or physical meetings. The COVID-19 pandemic has also compelled many businesses to rely heavily on virtual means of communication and applications like Slack, Google Meet, Zoom, Trello, etc. for smoother and effective communication. This allows hassle-free and effortless communication across departments and employees within any organization.

Role of AI

AI has not only improved communication but also made it easier. Smart replies and email filtering helps employees distinguish between junk and work and supports them to respond faster. Additionally, cloud communication and collaboration enables employees to interact, share feedback, and work together on a real-time basis. 

• Increases efficiency

Businesses can improve their efficiency by introducing technology at various stages in their organization and operations. With technology, organizations can eliminate risks, improve processes, and reduce mishaps. Companies also save time and effort as technology helps carry out operations faster. This ultimately increases productivity and reduces costs. 

Role of AI

Workflow automation reduces human interference, leaving employees with extra time to work on other important tasks. This increases accountability and reduces costs, resulting in improved productivity. 

• Supports business growth 

Every business needs to adapt and innovate to survive in a competitive, ever changing market landscape. Technology helps companies to innovate and offer something new to the customers. Businesses can also leverage technology to drive traffic, market their brand, and generate leads. This will help companies to create a brand value and name, leading to business growth. 

Role of AI

AI algorithms are used in online advertising platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google. Companies can focus on their target audience to market their brand and increase their online presence. These smart campaigns and advertisements help companies earn big bucks and allow customer engagement. 

• Enhances customer experience and relationships

Technology can help businesses enhance their customer experience and relationships. Tools and resources like chatbots and data-driven insights enable companies to understand their customers better and address their needs. 

Role of AI

Resources like chatbots and data-driven insights help companies to provide immediate, round- the-clock customer support and understand and adapt according to their customer demands and needs. AI helps companies to understand user behavior and preferences and work on the data gathered to deliver services and solutions that address their customer demands. 

Training current employees to leverage AI

Upskilling current employees and training them to leverage AI can help businesses save costs and increase the capabilities of their employees. This can help use the company resources and capital in an optimal way, decreasing wasteful expenditures. Once employees understand the relevance of keeping with the latest trends and technologies, it will become easier for them to adapt and accept working and leveraging technology. It, thus, becomes essential for leaders to convey the same to their employees and urge them to use and experiment with technology. Training workshops and seminars, incentivising the use of technology, and setting realistic and clear goals are some of the ways in which employees can be trained to leverage technology. 

Role of a leader

• Empowering employees

Leaders must convey the pros of leveraging AI and encourage their employees to upskill and empower themselves. By training, delegating, and inspiring the employees, leaders can inspire future leaders who will drive the change. 

• Coaching 

By coaching employees and believing in them, leaders can help employees unlock their potential. Leveraging technology and AI will help employees to produce better results, improving productivity and efficiency. 

• Promote learning 

Introducing new technologies at the workplace and ensuring that employees leverage it can help leaders promote a culture of constant learning and innovation at the workplace. This will result in a conducive work environment for employees to grow and learn. 

Conclusion 

Businesses must understand the importance of AI and leverage it to drive operations. This will not only help them to improve their processes, resulting in increased productivity and performance but also enable them to stay ahead of their competitors. With trained and skilled employees who are capable of driving operations, businesses are likely to make the most of technology.