We can all agree that one of the key requirements of a Village Professional is to put people first. The trade off can sometimes be this focus on people doesn’t allow to stay up to date with advances in technology that could help boost our productivity.
In the last year we have heard a lot of talk about ChatGPT and Generative AI. We’ve heard how it will disrupt the way we work.
Generative AI creates new content and data (e.g. ChatGPT and DALL-E), while Traditional AI solves specific tasks with predefined rules (e.g. Siri and Alexa).
As we make our way around the country for VILLAGE SUMMIT, we are being asked by Village Professionals, “How can we make this disruption a part of our daily lives work?” And, if it could make our jobs a bit easier.
Recently Salesforce commissioned a YouGov study on Australian workers usage of AI and Generative AI.
According to the study, 90% of Australian workers are already using AI for their jobs with 68% using Generative AI.
With this many people using AI and Generative AI, you would think that employers are providing training on how to use this technology safely and securely. Sadly, the figures from Salesforce suggest differently, with only 17% of those surveyed indicating that their employer gave them any training on this subject.
Based on some of the conversations we have been having with leaders in the sector, the reason for this slow adoption rate is business coming to grips with an ‘ethics-first approach’ on how to use Generative AI at work.
This relates to keeping commercial and in-confidence data safe. Keeping resident data and information safe. Keeping staff information safe.
That said, the study also suggests 82% of Australian workers are currently use Generative AI anyway, reaping the rewards of increased productivity.
A great place to start would be to ensure your business has effective policies in place outlining limitation in usage, ensuring that confidential data isn’t exposed, as well as suggestions of how to best use AI in the workplace. Not to mention training staff on these policies.
When developing a policy for the use of generative AI applications like ChatGPT in the workplace, it’s important to address various aspects to ensure responsible and ethical usage. Here are some key points to include in the policy:
Purpose and Scope
Clearly define the purpose of using generative AI applications in the workplace. Specify the scope of application and outline the areas where these tools will be utilized.
Ethical Use
Emphasize the importance of ethical use of AI technology. Clearly state that the use of Generative AI should align with the organisation’s values and ethical standards. Specify any prohibited activities or content.
Data Privacy and Security
Address concerns related to data privacy and security. Outline how user data will be handled, stored, and protected. Ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations, such as GDPR or other local laws.
Transparency
Communicate the use of Generative AI to employees and stakeholders. Be transparent about how and where these tools are employed. Make sure users are aware that they may interact with AI systems.
User Guidelines and Training
Provide guidelines for users on how to interact with generative AI applications appropriately. Offer training sessions to educate employees on the capabilities and limitations of these tools, as well as best practices for usage.
Monitoring and Accountability
Establish a system for monitoring the use of Generative AI to ensure compliance with the policy. Clearly define roles and responsibilities for those accountable for overseeing and managing the technology.
Bias Mitigation
Acknowledge the potential for biases in AI outputs and highlight efforts taken to mitigate them. Encourage users to report any instances where they believe bias may be present in the AI-generated content.
Feedback Mechanism
Implement a feedback mechanism for employees to report issues, concerns, or suggestions related to the use of Generative AI. Foster an open dialogue for continuous improvement.
Fairness and Inclusivity
Ensure that the use of Generative AI promotes fairness and inclusivity. Avoid generating content that may be discriminatory or exclusionary. Regularly review and update the models to address any emerging concerns.
Legal Compliance
Ensure that the policy complies with relevant laws and regulations governing the use of AI in the workplace. Stay informed about updates to legislation and be prepared to adjust the policy accordingly.
Periodic Review and Update
Commit to periodic reviews of the policy to assess its effectiveness and relevance. Update the policy as needed to address evolving technology, concerns, or organisational changes.
Incorporating Generative AI within the day-to-day functioning of Retirement Villages and Communities can mean more than technological adoption; it’s also a way to enhance our productivity and spend more time with residents and staff. In doing so we need to have a clear framework for employees to refer back to, including a comprehensive policy that guides the responsible and ethical use of generative AI applications in the workplace.