Connect with us

Innovation and Technology

AI Agents Need to Be Managed as If They Are Human

Published

on

AI Agents Need to Be Managed as If They Are Human

Agents Need Organization, Too

The Rise of Agentic AI

This year’s hot topic is agentic AI, and the specific tasks or services that AI agents can accomplish with minimum human intervention. The question is, how prepared are organizations to make AI agents work as intended?

The State of Agentic AI

A recent KMPG survey shows that more than half (51%) of organizations are exploring the use of AI agents, while another 37% are piloting AI agents. However, only 12% have deployed AI agents for use. Agentic AI may provide a path forward to returns on AI investments. "Faced with growing economic pressures, investor expectations, and the need for greater efficiency, business leaders are earnestly working to match their genAI goals with feasible implementation strategies," the KMPG authors stated.

Preparing for Agentic AI

Companies and their technology teams "are not quite ready, but there’s appetite from both technology teams and business teams to lean in," said Rodrigo Madanes, global innovation AI officer for EY. Two stages are necessary to prepare: formulating an agentic AI strategy and setting up infrastructure to implement agents – an agentic AI framework – following compliance processes.

Empowering, Delegating, and Verifying AI Agents

Michele Franceschini, head of AI communications engineering at Bloomberg, emphasized the importance of empowering, delegating, and verifying AI agents. "Empowering AI agents means ensuring they have access to the key elements they need to operate effectively," he explained. "Common examples are data and analytics. Are your data and analytics accessible programmatically? Is your data well-governed, clean, and managed scalably?"

Delegation and Verification

Delegation, another fundamental management tenet, is also essential to managing organizations of AI agents. "Delegation requires trust, and one key difference with agentic AI workflows is that AI agents are not perfect and are nondeterministic," said Franceschini. "The goal then becomes to build a robust delegation network utilizing imperfect, nondeterministic agents and a key challenge is that most engineering organizations require a cultural shift to accomplish this."

The Promise of Agentic AI

When properly managed, AI agents can prove to be really good workers. "Imagine a world where your best employee amplifies your work, learns faster than anyone else on your team, and helps you deliver assets like videos with unmatched speed and precision," said Chris Savage, CEO and co-founder at Wistia. "That’s the promise of agentic AI – digital teammates designed to learn from you, adapt to your needs, and revolutionize the way work gets done."

The Need for Cultural Shift

At the same time, a cultural shift is needed to help the productivity of AI agents measure up. "I believe most companies are not ready to support agentic AI because it fundamentally changes the workflow and how that set of actions is handled between humans and machines," said Arnab Mishra, CEO at Xactly. "I also think that most employees have not been thoroughly educated yet on how to truly understand how AI can help them do their jobs better, and thus are likely to be resistant to change."

Conclusion

Agentic AI has the potential to revolutionize the way work gets done, but it requires a cultural shift and a well-thought-out strategy. Organizations must empower, delegate, and verify AI agents to ensure they are working effectively. "The winners will be the companies that use it to go faster. The ability to delegate routine tasks to AI so humans can focus on work that requires creativity, strategy, and empathy will be a massive differentiator," said Savage.

FAQs

  • What is agentic AI?
    Agentic AI refers to the use of artificial intelligence agents that can accomplish specific tasks or services with minimum human intervention.
  • How prepared are organizations for agentic AI?
    According to a recent KMPG survey, more than half of organizations are exploring the use of AI agents, while another 37% are piloting AI agents. However, only 12% have deployed AI agents for use.
  • What are the key elements to prepare for agentic AI?
    Empowering, delegating, and verifying AI agents are crucial to ensure they operate effectively.
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Innovation and Technology

Burnout Prevention 2.0: How AI-Powered Tools are Helping Employees Manage Stress

Published

on

Burnout Prevention 2.0: How AI-Powered Tools are Helping Employees Manage Stress

The future of work innovations is here, and it’s changing the way we approach employee well-being. With the rise of AI-powered tools, companies are now equipped with the means to prevent burnout and keep their employees happy, healthy, and productive. In this article, we’ll explore the latest developments in burnout prevention and how AI is revolutionizing the way we manage stress in the workplace.

The Rise of Burnout

Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, overwork, and lack of balance in one’s life. It’s a growing concern in the modern workplace, with many employees struggling to cope with the demands of their jobs. A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that 77% of employees experience physical symptoms of burnout, while 73% experience emotional exhaustion, and 68% experience cynicism (lack of inspiration) at work.

Traditional Methods of Burnout Prevention

For years, companies have relied on traditional methods to prevent burnout, such as employee recognition programs, wellness initiatives, and mental health resources. While these efforts have shown some promise, they often fall short of addressing the root causes of burnout. Moreover, they can be resource-intensive, requiring significant investments of time, money, and personnel.

The Rise of AI-Powered Burnout Prevention

Enter AI-powered tools, which are transforming the way we approach burnout prevention. These innovative solutions use machine learning, natural language processing, and data analytics to identify early warning signs of burnout, provide personalized support, and help employees develop healthy coping mechanisms.

AI-Powered Coaching

AI-powered coaching platforms use natural language processing to offer personalized guidance and support to employees. These platforms use machine learning algorithms to analyze an individual’s behavior, preferences, and goals, providing tailored advice on stress management, time management, and goal setting.

Chatbots and Virtual Assistants

Chatbots and virtual assistants are revolutionizing the way we communicate with employees. These AI-powered tools provide instant support and guidance, helping employees to manage their workload, set priorities, and make informed decisions.

Wellness Platforms

Wellness platforms are another area where AI is making a significant impact. These platforms use data analytics to identify early warning signs of burnout, providing employees with personalized recommendations for stress reduction, exercise, and relaxation techniques.

Real-World Examples of AI-Powered Burnout Prevention

Several companies are already leveraging AI-powered tools to prevent burnout and improve employee well-being. For example:

* Glassdoor uses AI-powered coaching to help employees set goals, prioritize tasks, and manage stress.
* Virgin Atlantic uses AI-powered chatbots to provide personalized support to its employees.
* Microsoft uses AI-powered wellness platforms to identify early warning signs of burnout and provide targeted interventions.

Conclusion

Burnout prevention is no longer a one-size-fits-all solution. With the rise of AI-powered tools, companies can now provide personalized support, guidance, and resources to their employees. By leveraging these innovative solutions, organizations can reduce the risk of burnout, improve employee well-being, and boost productivity. As we move forward, it’s essential to prioritize the well-being of our employees, recognizing that a happy and healthy workforce is a more productive and successful one.

FAQs

### Q: What is burnout, and how is it different from stress?

A: Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, overwork, and lack of balance in one’s life. Stress, on the other hand, is a normal response to challenging situations, which can be managed with effective coping mechanisms.

### Q: What are some common signs of burnout?

A: Common signs of burnout include physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and insomnia, emotional symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, and cynicism, and cognitive symptoms such as reduced motivation and concentration.

### Q: How can I prevent burnout?

A: Preventing burnout requires a holistic approach, involving self-care, prioritization, and boundary setting. It’s essential to prioritize your physical and emotional well-being, set realistic goals, and learn to say “no” when necessary.

### Q: What are some effective coping mechanisms for managing stress and burnout?

A: Effective coping mechanisms include exercise, meditation, and relaxation techniques, as well as seeking social support from friends, family, or a therapist. It’s also essential to prioritize self-care, including getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment.

### Q: What is the role of AI in burnout prevention?

A: AI-powered tools can help identify early warning signs of burnout, provide personalized support and guidance, and offer targeted interventions to reduce the risk of burnout. These innovative solutions are revolutionizing the way we approach employee well-being, enabling companies to provide more effective support and resources to their employees.

Continue Reading

Innovation and Technology

Alphabet Spins Off Taara

Published

on

Alphabet Spins Off Taara

What Is Taara and How Does It Work?

Taara is a project developed by Alphabet’s X lab innovation hub, which aims to provide high-speed, high-capacity connectivity over long distances without the time, cost, and hassle involved with deploying fiber. The company has now spun off and operates as an independent entity, positioning itself as an alternative to services like Elon Musk’s Starlink.

How Does It Work?

Unlike Starlink, which relies on a massive network of low-Earth orbit satellites, Taara uses free-space optical communication technology. This FSOC system transmits data via invisible laser beams across the atmosphere, creating an ultra-fast internet connection without requiring costly fiber-optic cables. With speeds reaching 20 Gbps over distances of up to 20km, Taara aims to provide high-speed connectivity to underserved and remote areas.

What Are the Key Advantages?

  • High-speed connectivity over long distances
  • Cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional fiber-optic cables
  • Reliability and stability ensured by smart terminals with sensors and algorithms
  • No need for expensive infrastructure projects

How Does It Compare to Starlink?

While both companies aim to deliver internet to hard-to-reach places, their approaches are fundamentally different. Starlink depends on satellites that beam internet signals to ground stations, making it ideal for users in isolated locations, including ships and rural communities. Taara, on the other hand, extends existing networks by linking them with laser beams, which can be a more cost-effective and efficient alternative in many regions.

The Future of Internet Connectivity

With Taara stepping into the spotlight as an independent company, the non-traditional internet connectivity landscape is evolving. While Starlink has led the charge with its satellite-based network, competition is mounting. In Europe, for example, Eutelsat OneWeb has also emerged as a key challenger, looking to expand its presence in Ukraine as an alternative to Starlink, given the geopolitical tensions and uncertainties surrounding the continuity of Starlink’s services.

Conclusion

Taara’s entry into the market brings a new and innovative approach to providing high-speed internet connectivity. With its laser-based technology, it has the potential to revolutionize the way we connect to the internet, particularly in underserved and remote areas. As the market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Taara and its competitors navigate the regulatory challenges and prove the reliability and scalability of their solutions.

FAQs:

  • What is Taara?
    • Taara is a project developed by Alphabet’s X lab innovation hub that aims to provide high-speed, high-capacity connectivity over long distances without the time, cost, and hassle involved with deploying fiber.
  • How does Taara work?
    • Taara uses free-space optical communication technology, transmitting data via invisible laser beams across the atmosphere, creating an ultra-fast internet connection without requiring costly fiber-optic cables.
  • How does Taara compare to Starlink?
    • Taara and Starlink have different approaches to providing internet connectivity. Taara uses laser beams to extend existing networks, while Starlink relies on satellites that beam internet signals to ground stations.
  • What are the key advantages of Taara?
    • High-speed connectivity over long distances, cost-effective and efficient, reliable and stable connections, no need for expensive infrastructure projects.
Continue Reading

Innovation and Technology

The Intelligent Organization: How Technology is Enabling More Effective Decision-Making and Risk Management

Published

on

The Intelligent Organization: How Technology is Enabling More Effective Decision-Making and Risk Management

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, organizations are constantly faced with complex challenges that require swift and informed decision-making. The ability to make data-driven decisions is crucial for success, and technology has emerged as a key enabler of intelligent decision-making. In this article, we’ll explore how technology is transforming the way organizations operate, making it possible for them to make more informed decisions and mitigate risks.

Technology-Enabled Leadership Strategies

To stay ahead of the competition, organizations need to adopt technology-enabled leadership strategies that leverage data analytics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT). This enables leaders to make data-driven decisions, identify potential risks, and develop effective risk management strategies.

Data-Driven Decision Making

The proliferation of data analytics and business intelligence tools has made it possible for organizations to make data-driven decisions. With the help of big data and analytics, companies can gain insights into customer behavior, market trends, and operational efficiency, enabling them to make informed decisions. For instance, a retail company can use data analytics to identify customer preferences, optimize inventory management, and improve supply chain efficiency.

Risk Management in the Digital Age

The rise of digital platforms and cloud computing has introduced new risks, such as data breaches, cyber-attacks, and system failures. To mitigate these risks, organizations need to implement robust risk management strategies. This includes implementing robust security measures, conducting regular security audits, and developing business continuity plans.

Role of AI in Risk Management

Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in risk management. AI-powered systems can analyze vast amounts of data, identify potential threats, and provide real-time insights to decision-makers. For instance, AI-powered chatbots can help detect and prevent cyber-attacks, while AI-powered predictive analytics can identify potential risks and alert decision-makers to take corrective action.

IoT and Predictive Maintenance

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing the way organizations approach maintenance and repair. IoT sensors can detect equipment failures, predict maintenance needs, and optimize maintenance schedules, reducing downtime and improving overall efficiency. For instance, a manufacturing company can use IoT sensors to monitor equipment performance, detect potential failures, and schedule maintenance proactively, reducing downtime and improving overall efficiency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, technology is transforming the way organizations operate, making it possible for them to make more informed decisions and mitigate risks. By leveraging data analytics, AI, and IoT, organizations can gain insights into customer behavior, optimize operations, and improve decision-making. To stay ahead of the competition, organizations need to adopt technology-enabled leadership strategies that enable them to make data-driven decisions, identify potential risks, and develop effective risk management strategies.

FAQs

  • What are the key benefits of technology-enabled leadership strategies?

    • Improved decision-making
    • Enhanced risk management
    • Increased efficiency
  • What is the role of data analytics in technology-enabled leadership strategies?

    • Provides insights into customer behavior and market trends
    • Enables data-driven decision-making
    • Improves operational efficiency
  • How can AI be used in risk management?

    • Detect and prevent cyber-attacks
    • Identify potential threats and provide real-time insights
    • Enhance business continuity planning
  • What is the role of IoT in predictive maintenance?

    • Detect equipment failures
    • Predict maintenance needs
    • Optimize maintenance schedules

By adopting technology-enabled leadership strategies, organizations can gain a competitive edge, improve decision-making, and reduce risks. As the business landscape continues to evolve, it’s essential for organizations to stay ahead of the curve and leverage technology to drive success.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Our Newsletter

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending