“We Can Ensure That AI Enhances Human Potential Without Replacing It”

Jean-Michel Lavallard, a digital usage expert at Ordisys, emphasized the importance of ongoing employee training to help them develop new skills that are relevant to future job markets. He argued that it is essential to align career paths with the emerging needs of the marketplace.

Lavallard will be leading workshops organized by Uniciti and Ordisys on October 1st and 2nd in Mauritius.

The aim of these workshops is to explore and understand the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors.

Participants will gain insights into how AI can impact their professions, preparing them for inevitable changes in the workplace.

AI is revolutionizing the field of human resources by automating repetitive tasks such as recruitment and time management.

It facilitated in-depth data analysis for better decision-making, including employee attrition predictions and personalized career paths.

Additionally, AI provides new tools for skill development and employee engagement.

To effectively navigate this evolving landscape, Lavallard suggested several key measures.

Promoting continuous learning, developing complementary digital and human skills, and adapting professional pathways to respond to market demands are crucial.

Collaboration between companies, educational institutions, and individuals is necessary to support this transition.

Mauritius has taken a pioneering step as the first African country to establish a five-year strategy for ethical and responsible AI application.

According to Lavallard, this means using AI to maximize societal benefits while minimizing associated risks.

Key principles including transparency, non-discrimination, data protection, accountability, and human welfare.

By embracing these ethical standards, Mauritius positions itself as a leader in the advancement of AI in Africa, exemplifying a technology use that benefits all.

However, the rise of generative AI tools, such as DeepAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, is raising concerns among experts.

They warned of potential discriminatory biases, data opacity, and privacy risks.

Lavallard acknowledged these legitimate fears, highlighting that generative AI can generate misleading information, perpetuate biases, and pose risks to accessibility and privacy.

Nonetheless, he believed solutions exist, such as regulations, algorithm transparency, ethical principles, and user education.

Addressing management, administration, security challenges, and intellectual property rights issues demands a robust regulatory framework.

This should ensure algorithm transparency, data protection, clearly defined responsibilities, and international collaboration.

A comprehensive approach integrating technical, legal, and ethical measures is crucial for the safe and beneficial development of AI technologies.

Concerns have been raised by HR professionals in Mauritius regarding inevitable job losses due to AI integration in the workplace.

Lavallard advocated for strategies that augment human potential rather than replace it.

By using AI to automate repetitive, low-value tasks, employees can focus on more creative and strategic activities.

Encouraging collaboration between humans and machines turns AI into a decision-making assistant rather than a replacement.

Furthermore, investing in ongoing training is essential for equipping employees with skills relevant to future roles.

Anticipating changes and providing support during transitions through upskilling and reskilling opportunities will help mitigate the impact of AI on the workforce.

By implementing these strategies, AI can become a catalyst for enhancing human capabilities rather than supplanting them.

Source: Defi Media