Humans + AI: Exploring the Collaboration Between AI and Human Labor in the Workplace

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies have seen an increase in usage in varying sectors of society due to their ability to efficiently find solutions to highly complex problems. This led to the growing concern among the workforce that fully automated AI systems may displace a significant portion of low-wage and low-skilled jobs. The 5th Industrial Revolution (5IR) promotes the application of augmented intelligence where there is evident collaboration between humans and machines. Augmented intelligence intends to enhance rather than replace human abilities through a more harmonious working relationship that leads to increased productivity. This study investigates employers’ and workers’ perception of how augmented intelligence is currently practiced in the workplace to improve task performance. It explores the adaptation strategies of human workers to co-exist with intelligent machines in the workplace. Findings from this study can shed insights on AI integration in the workplace and facilitate the development of workplace practices that encourage humans to maximize the potential benefits afforded by AI systems as we move towards a more technology-driven work environment