AI in our Professional Workflow

Alison Taylor

In this video, Alison unpacks how AI and surveillance technologies are transforming the workplace boosting productivity but also raising serious ethical and privacy concerns. She shares practical tips for using AI transparently and effectively on the job, while emphasising the need for digital literacy, critical thinking, and source verification. Most importantly, she highlights the human skills like empathy, communication, and leadership that AI can't replicate and that will future-proof your career.

Working with AI

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AI in our Professional Workflow

7 mins 4 secs

Key learning objectives:

Understand AI’s growing influence on workplace surveillance and productivity
Outline practical steps to evaluate and manage AI-related risks at work
Identify the importance of uniquely human skills in future-proofing your career
Build critical thinking, sourcing, and digital literacy skills for the AI era

Overview:

AI and surveillance tools are reshaping the modern workplace offering productivity gains but raising ethical and privacy concerns. From mouse jigglers to algorithmic monitoring, employees must understand how and why they're being tracked. This video explores practical steps: reviewing company policies, using AI transparently, developing digital literacy, and strengthening human skills like communication and empathy. With few companies offering AI training, the onus is on individuals to learn, adapt, and use AI responsibly while preserving autonomy, ethics, and critical thinking in the AI era.

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Summary

Why are AI and surveillance tools raising concerns in the workplace?

AI and monitoring tools can increase productivity but also raise significant privacy concerns. Cases like the use of mouse jigglers and algorithmic tracking show that employees often feel scrutinised even while working remotely. The tools may track irrelevant metrics, ignore context, and create distrust. Employees must understand what’s being tracked, why, and how to protect their privacy and rights in this new environment.

How can employees protect themselves if their employer is tracking them?

Start by reviewing your employment contract and company policy on surveillance. If policies are unclear or withheld, that’s a red flag. Ask what’s being monitored and how the data is used, especially whether your manager has access. If tracked metrics don’t align with job outcomes, flag it. And remember: laws vary by country. In places like the EU, GDPR offers protections, so ask how your company complies. If tracking feels excessive or unethical, consider whether the workplace aligns with your values.

What’s the best way to start using AI in your job?

Experiment with tools, learn by doing, and share results openly. Don’t treat AI as a shortcut to hide; use it as a transparent productivity aid. For example, if ChatGPT helps you check spreadsheet figures faster or manage your time better, share that insight with your team. This shows initiative, boosts collaboration, and builds trust. The best AI users are those who lift others up with them.

How should employees evaluate and verify AI-generated outputs?

AI output must be questioned, not blindly trusted. Ask: Is this reinforcing my assumptions? Can the model offer counterexamples? If it gives a financial model, check every decision and assumption, don’t outsource the thinking. Also, if the tool doesn’t show sources, don’t use it. Reliable insights need traceable references. Be ready to challenge peers: if someone shares AI-generated insight, ask which sources it’s based on. Critical thinking and source-checking are non-negotiable skills in the AI era.

Which human skills are most important to develop in the AI age?

Skills AI can’t replicate, like empathy, negotiation, active listening, and inclusive leadership, will become even more valuable. Start by identifying what you're good at and where you struggle. Maybe you’re a great listener but need to work on public speaking. These soft skills will set you apart and create career opportunities AI can’t replace. This week, reflect on your weakest area and take a small step to improve it. Those who master these skills will thrive in a tech-driven world.

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Alison Taylor

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