Work-Life balance in the new normal & AI for the real world

Question 1

Discuss how COVID-19 has impacted the way work gets organized/done

Answer 1

• Remote Work
• Digitalization
  o accelerated the trend towards digitalization
  o Online tools like video conferencing, team collaboration platforms & cloud-based software have become essential for remote work
• Changes in Working Hours
  o flexible schedules becoming more prevalent
  o many organizations have shifted towards results-based work
  o allowed employees to work when it suits them best -> can result in increased productivity and job satisfaction
• Changes in the Workplace
  o changes to the physical layout of the workplace
  o many companies adopting hybrid models that allow employees to work from home and the office
• Changes in Leadership
  o required leaders to be more adaptable and flexible
  o more collaborative approaches to decision-making
  o communicate more frequently and effectively

Question 2

How can organisations transform their workplaces from purely physical to (partially/predominantly) digital?

Answer 2

Management Practices Phases: Assessing Status Quo, Experimental Repatterning, Leveraging Causation Planning, Calibration (Causation and Effectuation)
Workplace Arrangements: Digital Tools, Cultural Assets and Physical Spaces
(Table in word sheet)

Question 3

What are the work-life balance concerns associated with BYOD? How can these be addressed?

Answer 3

1. Constantly raising expectations of availability
2. Blurring boundaries of work & personal time
3. coordinating among coworkers becomes more complicated
4. feeding knowledge workers’ personal compulsions
   -> mobile tech teams to contribute to work life conflicts increasing stress levels negatively influencing social/family lives

Question 4

What is AI and how can we classify it?

Answer 4

• Artificial Intelligence – mimics human cognitive function through the use of computer systems
• Classify them according to
  o types of tasks they can perform
  o ease of implementation

Question 5

What are the classifications and for what kind of tasks are the different classifications appropriate?

Answer 5

o Process automation (most common) – well-suited for back-office tasks
o Cognitive insight – used to detect patterns in vast volumes of data and interpret the meaning
o Cognitive engagement – projects that engage employees or customers
o Some companies are experimenting projects to combine elements from all three categories to maximise the benefits of AI
(See Word Sheet)

Question 6

How can AI technologies be integrated within organisations?

Answer 6

See Word Sheet

Question 7

What are the steps in the 4 step framework?

Answer 7

• Understanding the technology
• Creating a portfolio of tasks
• Launching pilots
• Scaling up
  (details on word sheet)