Leveraging Generative AI for Job Augmentation and Workforce Productivity 2024

Introduction This r eport aims to unearth the experience of early adopters of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) deployment in the workfor ce to derive lessons learned and provide an actionable framework for promoting job augmentation and enhancing workforce productivity. It examines the key elements that organizations must have in place to facilitate these outcomes. Research interviews conducted for this report are global in scope, encompassing a wide range of geographies, industries and organizations including commercial, public-sector and social entities. The emergence of GenAI in the workplace has created significant interest, from the boardroom to the breakroom. Section 1 examines these expectations, hopes and concerns, and outlines current barriers for individuals and organizations to effectively leverage the technology to achieve better people and business outcomes. At present, the future of GenAI in the workforce remains uncertain and undefined. Despite rapid developments, the technology is still in its infancy, making it impossible to extrapolate the extent to which productivity gains and job augmentation may be achieved in the near futur e. Acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the future, Section 2 considers four scenarios to enable various stakeholders to think through the multiple ways in which GenAI in the workforce could evolve. Section 3 presents findings from interviews with more than 20 early adopting organizations that have generously shared their experiences, lessons learned and expectations regarding the emerging impact of GenAI on productivity gains and job augmentation to provide valuable insights into the practical implications and potential returns of GenAI workforce deployment.Section 4 builds on the previous sections to offer an actionable framework that organizations may adapt for their own use to augment jobs and enhance productivity through GenAI adoption. The framework aims to enable organizations to harness the potential of GenAI while adhering to ethical standards, emerging legal requirements, and considering the development and well-being of employees using the technology. The findings suggest that, with the right enabling conditions, GenAI has the potential to augment jobs and enhance productivity. However, this requires organizations to go through a phase of understanding the technology’s value for their specific needs, identifying appropriate use cases, and thoroughly testing the solutions. Moreover, safeguarding that workers understand, trust and adopt GenAI is essential before use cases can be scaled; thus, in addition to training and support, a cultural shift within the organization is also critical to embrace new ways of working. Based on the insights from the interviews, the successful deployment of GenAI depends as much or more on people than on the technology itself. This report has been developed as part of The Jobs Initiative, coordinated by the World Economic Forum, which aims to build the jobs of tomorrow and ensure good jobs for all in the context of ongoing labour market disruptions. One key focus area for the initiative is promoting strategies for leveraging GenAI for job augmentation and workforce productivity growth. It is one of a series of current World Economic Forum reports that explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence across industries and a variety of key themes. 6