When AI goes from tool to teammate - what then?

The welcome address was thought-provoking: "Have you ever cried because technology let you down?" Visitors to the "The future of work in the age of AI" event as part of the "After the Algorithm" festival were greeted with this question. It makes it clear that artificial intelligence is taking on a new role in our society and we have to decide how to deal with it.

The discussion is necessary, says Danny Buerkli from the Windfall Trust think tank. Because: "There are only a handful of macroeconomic models that deal with the consequences of AI. That's not enough."  

In view of the rapid dynamics of AI, it is difficult to predict what the world will look like in a few years' time. However, one thing is clear: "AI will have a profound impact - even if the technology remains at its current level."

Strengthening Zurich as an AI location

The Zurich cantonal government wants to make better use of the economic potential of AI. It is providing CHF 2.9 million for this purpose until the end of 2029 and is thus pursuing four objectives:

1) AI sandbox as a test environment for AI applications

2) Promote local start-ups with innovative AI solutions

3) Integration of AI in SMEs

4) Active social dialog

The event "The future of work in the age of AI" was organized by the Office of Economic Affairs and UZH.ai, the AI Hub of the University of Zurich.

When AI replaces workers

AI is already taking work off our hands. The latest model from Claude Opus, for example, can solve programming tasks that would take a human 12 hours in a matter of seconds.

However, Buerkli points out: "We must not forget that these tasks are often simpler than our everyday tasks." For example, an automation index shows that, at best, AI models can only perform around 4 percent of computer-based work independently today.

At the same time, studies have come to the conclusion that the number of jobs for young people in the IT sector is currently declining. If this phenomenon manifests itself and spreads to other sectors, it would have macroeconomic consequences, Danny Buerkli points out. Because less human labor also means lower tax revenues.

When AI supports the workforce

Artificial intelligence can not only replace work, but also supplement it. Sarah Levy is driving this development at Swisscom. Her vision: "AI will become a colleague who works day and night and never needs a coffee".

Levy's idea of AI as a tireless work colleague prompted the audience to ask: Should the productivity gain flow into more free time or more work?

Danny Buerkli believes that this question is central, especially in the discussion about a shorter working week. "The trade unions could take a more active approach to the issue." Sarah Levy, on the other hand, points out that the increase in productivity must be utilized: "AI is an important tool for remaining competitive."

AI offers opportunities and risks in everyday working life

In addition to working hours, AI is also changing the way we work. And this can have an impact on mental health, said psychology professor Laurenz Meier: "If we fulfill our basic psychological needs for competence, autonomy and connectedness at work, we feel effective and satisfied". The new working conditions in an everyday life with AI could worsen - or improve - employee satisfaction.  

Negative effects could be, for example: Employees ask the chatbot for help instead of people - so that colleagues feel less helpful. At the same time, the "manual" tasks are becoming more complex and the working day is becoming denser, which can lead to an overload.

But Laurenz Meier also sees opportunities. His studies show: AI is already a relief as an advisor for interpersonal situations. And the "sparring partner" can relieve employees so that they can devote themselves to new tasks and further develop their own skills. "That can be very fulfilling."

Sarah Levy confirms that AI does indeed have great potential for positive changes in everyday working life. Together with Swiss cantonal police forces, Swisscom has automated the transcription of interrogations - and thus reduced administrative work enormously. For her, it is clear that the AI transformation must focus on people: "You can't invest enough in people - because the technology is already there."