‘Playing’ at work can prepare humans for AI – Deloitte
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — Corporate “digital playgrounds” where employees can safely experiment with new technologies could help adapt the workforce to artificial intelligence (AI), according to professional services giant Deloitte.
These virtual spaces allow workers to test cutting-edge applications without real-world risks.
“These tools include AI-powered people analytics; augmented, virtual, and extended reality; digital twins; digital doppelgangers; and more—technologies that not long ago were largely confined to science fiction,” a Deloitte report highlighted.
Digital replicas of worksites let staff practice new skills, voice bots act as coaches, and analytics track progress “to make work better for humans and humans better at work.”
As jobs evolve alongside automation, such playgrounds could help workers learn to collaborate with smart machines, take on new roles, and drive innovation.
Yet the researchers found a gap – 76% of employees want guidance on how their jobs may change, but only 43% say employers provide it.
“To help organizations succeed, workers should feel like active participants in the evolution of their roles. Giving them a place to explore and play can be a way to earn their buy-in,” Deloitte noted.
The concept also helps crowdsource innovations from frontline workers. For example, the Vancouver Airport Authority created an interactive airport replica to foster experimentation. Operations teams have already found uses like forecasting wait times.
As technology creates uncertainty, digital playgrounds could help companies and employees better adapt to AI and automation by promoting innovation through play.
“Plus, since humans tend to learn best by practicing, digital playgrounds support continuous learning and the development of new skills,” Deloitte emphasized.
