Will AI Kill Off The In-Person Office?

"The recent survey of 2,500 employees and executives, released by GoTo, finds 51% of employees say AI "will make physical offices obsolete in the future." There are many workers who already answer to algorithms in their daily work - Uber drivers and InstaCart delivery people being prime examples. Then there are the AI-powered tools and platforms office workers now use, including applications for collaboration and meetings, generative AI tools, virtual assistants, and AI-enabled IT support platforms. In addition, 62% of employees in the GoTo survey still say they'd even prefer AI-enhanced remote working over working in the office."

""The idea of AI as a new boss is interesting, but I see a different, more nuanced reality emerging," said Dr. Tiffany Perkins-Munn, author and head of marketing data and analytics at J.P. Morgan Chase. "While an algorithm can efficiently manage goal-oriented tasks, I see its role for office work evolving into more of a co-pilot.""

""We are seeing a very interesting shift - the recent scandals with remote works, such as overwork culture, and fear of losing their moat has caused many companies and VCs to shift back to a hybrid or location-based jobs," said Yashin Manraj, chief executive officer at Pvotal Technologies Inc., which has been running remotely for the past seven years. "Eight years ago, I would have said the vision to be fully remote is the future," Manraj continued."

A GoTo survey of 2,500 employees and executives finds 51% believe AI will make physical offices obsolete in the future, while 62% prefer AI-enhanced remote work. Many workers already answer to algorithms in gig roles such as Uber and InstaCart delivery. Office workers now use AI-powered collaboration, generative tools, virtual assistants, and AI-enabled IT support. Some observers foresee AI functioning more as a co-pilot for goal-oriented tasks rather than replacing managers. Pushback against fully remote models has emerged after scandals and fraud concerns, prompting some companies and investors to favor hybrid or location-based roles.

Read at Forbes