Opinion piece / Artificial intelligence is revolutionising working life – are employees being heard amid the hype?

In Finland there is hardly a workplace where AI and its positive effects have not been discussed this year. AI is indeed in many organisations one of the most important ways to increase, for example, productivity by automating manual tasks. But alongside talk of efficiency, the meaningfulness of work should also be central. Management and workplaces should understand that change created with AI does not happen by management decree or words in a strategy, but by listening to people's wishes and concerns.

Working life has been in a huge state of change in recent years, and the pace does not seem to be slowing. Digital solutions constantly change work and communication, and the coronavirus pandemic caused permanent changes in the ways work is done. Now AI has burst into working life, but is staff being listened to amid all the hype? Many are pondering the value of their own skills in the labour market and even fear for their jobs. The fear is certainly not unfounded, as AI is expected to change many tasks and even replace some professions.

How can people be better taken into account in the age of AI? AI can make many routine tasks easier and free up time for more creative and meaningful work. On the other hand, it can also increase stress and uncertainty if employees feel they are not keeping up with the change. Introducing AI takes time, as people are at different levels with their skills. Senior management, line managers and teams must create a safe environment where everyone can openly share their concerns and admit where they need support. Mistakes must not be failures, but opportunities to learn. In addition, it is important to note that AI also creates new roles and job opportunities. Therefore, the continuous training and guidance of staff towards possible new tasks is important. In addition, it must be ensured that people dare to use what they have learned and that what they have learned is useful in their everyday lives.

In addition to concerns, the effects of AI on creativity and interaction should be examined, as excessive use of AI can at worst even narrow one's worldview and stifle creativity. It is important to find a balance between using AI and human thinking. AI can be an excellent tool for developing ideas and analysing information, but it cannot replace genuine interaction between people or, for example, empathy. The meaningfulness of work and the use of one's own skills and creativity are for many essential sources of wellbeing and motivation.

And what happens to a work community where people talk more with AI than with each other? This is a real concern, as social interaction is part of workplace wellbeing and the creation of innovations. A sense of community does not arise by itself; everyone must actively invest in it. Organisations should actively monitor the effects of the use of AI – and technology in general – on both productivity and wellbeing. Continuous dialogue is key.

The organisations that benefit most from AI are those that openly involve their staff in the change, listening to their needs and shaping the future together. Going forward too, companies will succeed through ideas and people whose potential the use of technology helps to develop.

Tessi Reispakka

HR Director, Rakettitiede

This article was published in Talouselämä in August 2025.