WX trends: AI’s surprising impact on work-life balance and more

Our workplace experience (WX) trends series looks at recent news articles, videos, social media posts and thought leadership pieces on workplace experience. You’ll also hear from our experts on what’s trending.

In this WX trends, it’s all about how technology impacts the workplace experience. First we’re learning how artificial intelligence (AI) can help us work fewer days each week. Next, we’ll explore why the digital employee experience (DEX) is such a big deal. Finally, how AI can help workers with manual labour jobs.

AI and the four-day workweek

Imagine having an extra day each week to go to appointments, run errands or simply relax and ease into the weekend. For some workers this is a reality with the help of AI.

London-based digital design agency Driftime has been able to offer its employees a four-day workweek while continuing to pay them for five days because they’ve downloaded some of their time-consuming tasks to AI, according to an article in the BBC.

Using the tool Modyfi to assist designers with their graphics is one example of how they’re using AI.

Quality of work has not been sacrificed to the schedule, either. In fact, it’s the opposite, says Driftime co-founder Abb-d Taiyo.

“Instead of a dip in the quantity of work created over just four days, we’ve seen a remarkably high quality of work matched by a high staff satisfaction return. The health and happiness of our team is in direct correlation to the high standard of work produced.”

Data from Tech.co’s 2024 Impact of Technology on the Workplace report supports the idea that AI can successfully streamline operations for some workplaces.

The report, which surveyed 1,000 U.S. businesses, found that 29% of organizations that have implemented a four-day workweek are using AI.

Thomas Philippart de Foy, Chief Innovation Officer at Appspace, says that as AI improves, more and more businesses will be looking to see how it can assist its workforce.

“AI is a game-changer in delivering valuable and actionable data,” he says.

What’s behind the digital employee experience (DEX)

Our work lives are becoming more digital by the day.

With many workers either juggling hybrid schedules or going full-time remote, technology is the backbone of how we get things done. And as if that wasn’t enough, AI is constantly pushing the boundaries, making our work technology even more complex.

It’s not just about having the latest gadgets, either. The quality of our digital experience at work, from collaboration tools to software, can make or break our job satisfaction, according to an article in Wired. In fact, some folks are quitting over glitchy systems and outdated software.

Employers are feeling the heat too, with talent retention becoming an issue. As it turns out, our digital employee experience (DEX) is a big deal. It’s not just about smoother workflows; it’s about creating a culture where innovation thrives and people feel valued.

Some companies are leading the charge, using data and strategies to keep their workforce happy and productive. But it’s not just about tech – culture and leadership play a big role too.

So, if you’re wondering how to level up your workplace technology game, it’s time to get cozy with your IT department, according to the article.

“In today’s digital age, a seamless employee experience isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential for success,” says Philippart de Foy.

Can AI save your job – and your back?

It’s refreshing to hear about how AI can keep people employed longer.

Workers in manual jobs are sometimes forced out of their fields earlier than they want due to the wear and tear on their bodies.

That’s where England-based Stanley Handling comes in with its AI technology, according to a BBC article.

The company filmed technicians carrying out their daily tasks at an auto body shop, and then outfitted them with exoskeletons, a powered harness. The harnesses work to support some of the heavy lifting.

The end result? Technicians claimed they enjoyed their work more because the technology made it easier.

“It’s about protecting people,” says Andre Jutel, Stanley Handling’s solutions consultant.

“There are a lot of difficult manual jobs out there and we have an aging workforce. The average worker may not be able to retire at 65 – it might have to be 75. This type of technology assists them in working for longer.”