On-demand Webcast: Empowering Productivity: Transforming Businesses with AI Solutions

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how we do business– and not in the ways we may expect. As more business leaders look to adopt AI, it’s imperative to keep in mind both the customer and employee experience.  

In our latest SAP Concur webcast, Empowering Productivity: Transforming Businesses with AI Solutions, Brian Veloso, Managing Director at SAP Concur is joined by experts Deborah Maynard, CHRO at Coast Mental Health, and Harsehaj Dhami, a Morehead Cain scholar and tech enthusiast, in a lively panel discussion on how AI is redefining productivity in the workplace.  

Is AI a Threat? 

According to our CFO Insights Report, 98% of CFOs believe AI threatens them although 61% see it as an essential tool for managing the unexpected. Given these CFO apprehensions, it's important to address potential concerns that may arise when integrating AI into business operations. 

According to Deborah, "Job displacement is a fear with new technology, but AI should be seen as a complementary tool to support staff. It can help streamline workflows and allow employees to focus on more effective and important work." 

Harsehaj adds, “AI has a lot of potential in improving the efficiency and work productivity of employees. One great way I've seen AI adoption success measured is to look at the time it takes to complete a certain project or task compared with after the AI tool is implemented. This kind of quantitative metric is extremely helpful for employees, highlighting certain types of work that only humans can do.”  

Ethics in AI: Regulating an Emerging Technology 

During the panel, the ethical and regulatory challenges associated with adopting AI were discussed. In considering the roles of the private and public sector, Harsehaj points out that “the private sector tends to have more freedom and less regulation compared to the public sector where there are multiple trials of policy and regulation." 

Deborah adds that in regulating AI, “we can ensure that we have the public trust,” especially when it comes to biases and ethical concerns.  

Empowering Productivity: Transforming Businesses with AI Solutions

Join us for an on-demand webcast to learn about key considerations and ways to empower productivity with AI in the new reality of the North American business industry

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Closing the AI Gap  

According to a report conducted by KPMG Canada, 72% of U.S. companies are currently using AI in their operations, while only 35% of Canadian businesses are using it. 

To close this gap, Harsehaj advises that businesses need to "provide employees with time to innovate and explore new technologies. Encourage them to attend conferences and workshops during work hours." 

“One big strategy that I've personally seen that has worked is making AI tools part of the onboarding process in companies,” she adds.  

Looking Ahead: A Culture of Learning  

The future of AI and productivity in Canada holds immense potential but faces significant challenges. So how can organizations fully harness AI's benefits?  

• Cultivate a robust learning culture that integrates AI tools across the employee journey. This involves investing in education and training programs to ensure employees are well-equipped to leverage AI effectively. 
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Companies should provide employees with dedicated time to innovate, explore new technologies, attend conferences, and participate in workshops during work hours.  

Canadian businesses can enhance productivity, support their workforce, and ensure long-term success in an evolving job market by prioritizing education and encouraging ongoing development.  

Tune into the on demand session to see the full discussion.