Why South African businesses should be leveraging AI
Truth: “The only constant in life is change.”- Heraclitus. Trouble is, the fear of change is yet another overarching constant. Sure, routine feels good, because it feels safe. But is it always? Or has your constant fear of change become a roadblock for innovation and business growth?
Case in point: AI. It’s fast becoming as essential to business success as the internet.
“AI for all” is no longer an elusive possibility in the distant future. It’s happening right now, anywhere the internet is active. For South African business leaders in particular, understanding AI’s potential and challenges has never been more crucial. Cautious as you may be, you must adopt AI now if you want to advance your business and avoid ending up like Nokia. For context, the one-beloved cell phone brand arrived late to the smart phone race, and has not recovered since.
If you’ve at least considered leveraging AI in the past few months, your tardiness may be forgiven. Though catching up with the rest of the world may be a painstaking process, it is still possible. But to completely side-step the “Nokia effect”, you must take decisive action now, before it’s too late.
Decision time for cautious South African business leaders
The choice is simple, but its effects will be impactful either way. You can adopt AI, or get left behind by your competition – because they’ve already stepped up their AI game. With AI, you can drastically improve your customer service quality through increased productivity levels and employee empowerment. You can even reimagine the dynamics of hiring. You can expand your business and empower your employees. Without it, you risk forfeiting your business and the livelihood of your employees, not to mention, your own.
The question is, which of these selections scares you more?
Let’s explore the results of the most recent Microsoft Work Trend Index Report to open your eyes to the future of business. Hint: It’s wrought with change and will require a keen willingness to adapt.
Your employees have already embraced AI, even if your business is still hesitant
In the push for AI adoption, there’s one remarkable insight: workers are not waiting for your permission.
According to the 2024 Microsoft Work Trend Index Report, 78% of AI users bring their own AI tools to work (BYOAI). This means employees recognise the value of AI in offsetting the crazy pace of modern work (2024 Microsoft Work Trend Index Report). As a South African leader, this trend signals yet another clear choice for you: either use AI to support your employees and advance your business, or risk the data security challenges that will arise from unregulated AI use.
Additionally, 75% of global knowledge workers are already using generative AI. Over half of them adopted it within the past six months alone. With the help of AI tools such as Copilot, workers are cutting down on information overload, and reducing stress. For example, Copilot users have reported saving an average of 30 minutes per day on repetitive tasks, freeing up time for creative work (2024 Microsoft Work Trend Index Report). They’ve found that with the capabilities of AI, they’re more productive, yet (surprisingly) less likely to suffer from burnout. An increasing number of employees are prioritising their mental health. Are you?
The career-defining edge of AI skills
“AI won’t replace humans — but humans with AI will replace humans without AI” – Harvard Business Review
One of the most outstanding revelations from the 2024 report is how AI is shaping hiring trends. Business leaders are now prioritising AI skills over work experience. 66% of them are reluctant to hire anyone without AI skills. In fact, 71% prefer candidates with AI proficiency over those with extensive experience but no AI knowledge (2024 Microsoft Work Trend Index Report).
For South African businesses, this shift presents a unique opportunity. Upskilling employees in AI can strengthen their loyalty, giving your business a lasting competitive edge.
The Power User: Redefining Work Patterns with AI
According to Microsoft’s findings, the “AI Power User” is rapidly redefining the meaning of the term, “productive”, for employees across the globe. These workers are using AI throughout the week, experimenting with it, and wielding the device to optimise their workflows. What sets them apart? Power users not only save time but feel more motivated and creative. And it shows. In fact, per the 2024 Microsoft Work Trend Index Report, 91% of them have reported increased job satisfaction. It’s a win/win for these companies and their most valuable asset – their people.
The numbers speak for themselves – AI is making work faster and more enjoyable, with 92% of power users saying it helps them focus on more “meaningful” tasks (2024 Microsoft Work Trend Index Report).
So, what can South African business leaders do to avoid falling too far behind to catch up?
- You can start by fostering an AI-friendly culture within your business environment.
- Encourage experimentation with AI technologies and devices.
- Support employees in their exploration of AI.
- Put learning programs in place to expand their knowledge and skill sets and empower them.
Ensure you make the adoption of AI as seamless as possible by diving into the unlimited wealth of innovation it offers. Lastly, educate yourself so that you can educate others in your company. In so doing, you will eradicate the fear of change and embrace innovation by example.
In conclusion
This technology has already transformed teams around the world – from marketing to operations – by allowing them to focus on high-value tasks that actually grow their businesses. Allow it to do the same for your workers, your business, and yourself. Why wouldn’t you? T he potential is undeniable:
- Improved productivity,
- Empowered teams, and
- A competitive edge in hiring.
The future of work isn’t waiting for you – it’s happening right now, with or without you. Regardless of your caution, hesitation, or fear; there’s one clear takeaway here: AI is here to stay, and only those businesses that embrace it as a core part of their strategy will lead the way into the future.
Are you ready to take the leap into the boundless benefits of AI adoption? Send us your details now, and we’ll be in touch.
