Instead of being afraid of or resistant to new technologies like AI, businesses can explore the limitless opportunities that such tools make possible.

The era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is upon us. At its core, AI is the simulation of human intelligence by computer systems through sophisticated algorithms. Today's AI utilises large language models (LLMs) to comprehend input and generate outcomes in natural language while continuously learning and updating itself. AI is revolutionising how businesses operate, making processes more efficient and productive through computerised knowledge analytics, particularly for information management. An overwhelming 95% of organisations are planning to expand their AI usage in the next two years. With AI's help, businesses and employees can now increase creativity and productivity. So how can AI empower and transform your business?

Boost Employee Satisfaction and Productivity

According to Microsoft's Work Trend Index Annual Report 2023, 64% of employees surveyed said they did not have enough time and energy to complete their work, and those same employees were more than three times more likely to struggle with strategic thinking or innovation. This results from employees spending time on routine, mundane tasks that could be performed by AI, which is already happening across the world. Amid concerns of AI replacing jobs, a study conducted by Microsoft revealed an unexpected insight: employees are more eager for AI to alleviate workloads than afraid of job loss. Workers are increasingly interested in having AI address problems that will advance their unit or company and eliminate mundane tasks. The research also found that leaders are more focused on the potential of integrating AI into their workplace. Leaders are twice as likely to say that AI would be most valuable in boosting productivity rather than reducing headcounts.

How can Microsoft's Copilot help?

Microsoft's Copilot is a unique product integrated into Microsoft's business offerings. With Copilot, we are bringing the power of generative AI to everyone across work and life. While Copilot works alongside employees to free up time for more creative pursuits, it also helps business leaders save time and focus on management by responding to emails and recapping missed meetings. We are learning alongside our customers that AI is much more than new technology. It is a new way of working that allows organisations to completely reinvent their businesses. A study by Microsoft polling 1,300 early adopters of Copilot found that efficient users "saved 30 minutes a day, the equivalent of 10 hours a month, while the average person saved 14 minutes a day, or nearly five hours each month". 

Allowing AI to carry out such routine tasks saves time and frees up employees to focus on more complex, strategic and creative tasks. By delegating these routine tasks to AI, workers can spend their time and energy on activities that need human innovation and critical thinking skills. New work technologies require new work habits. How long does it take for employees to build the AI habit? Microsoft research shows that 11 minutes of time savings is all it takes for most people to feel like AI is useful—the key to getting a habit to stick.

Improve Security in the Era of AI

The digital age comes with its risks. Businesses need to ensure that they stay ahead of potential threats, which is where AI is transforming security management. The volume and velocity of attacks require us to continually create and adopt new technologies that can tip the scales in favour of defenders. Microsoft Security Copilot is the first security product to enable defenders to move at the speed and scale of AI. With Security Copilot, we are taking the agility advantage back to defenders by combining Microsoft's leading security technologies with the latest advancements in AI. Microsoft's Copilot for Security is already transforming critical security infrastructure for businesses by allowing security teams to respond to attacks much faster. Instead of days or weeks, security analysts can deal with threats in a matter of hours or minutes when assisted by AI, greatly limiting harm. Without a doubt, AI will transform how organisations around the world interact with security technologies. To achieve their highest potential, security AI solutions must be delivered in a safe, secure and responsible way. At Microsoft, we believe that security is ultimately about people, and while technology plays an essential role in this journey, it will continue to be a human endeavour.

Evolving together

AI like Copilot helps level the playing field for businesses, whether they are located in Nepal or Europe. Even small businesses can now invest in AI to boost productivity, cut costs and increase employee satisfaction. Nepali businesses can harness the power of AI to compete regionally and internationally, as AI's breadth of knowledge is not limited by geography. The new digital age is one where humans and AI evolve together to create a new relationship with work - AI is for everyone, not just tech experts. Instead of being afraid of or resistant to new technologies like AI, businesses can explore the limitless opportunities that such tools make possible. By helping train and empower employees to navigate through these changes, it is vital that Nepali organisations and business leaders can stay ahead of the competition and reap the benefits of being early adopters.

By harnessing AI, business leaders can expect their ventures to become more flexible, strategic and goal-oriented, while their employees become more creative, productive and find joy in their work. 

(Faruqu is the Managing Director for Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal at Microsoft)