3 Of the best AI tools to help your productivity at work

Artificial Intelligence is the new hot topic in the business world and for good reason. Although not a new invention, AI is now affecting almost every aspect of our lives, both in our personal lives as well as our workday experience, even those of us who don't work in the tech field. Soon, AI technology will play a bigger part in how people are hired, how professional development is performed, and how new employees are trained.

In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of AI in the workplace, including:

• What is Artificial Intelligence?

• What are AI productivity tools used for in the workplace?

• Three of the best AI tools to boost your productivity

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

Put simply, Artificial intelligence (AI) is software that simulates human intelligence by utilizing extensive datasets to facilitate problem-solving. John McCarthy, a computer scientist and one of the “founding fathers” of AI, defined it as “…the science and engineering of making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programs. It is related to the similar task of using computers to understand human intelligence, but AI does not have to confine itself to methods that are biologically observable." 

Using AI in the workplace

Although the idea of AI in the workplace might bring to mind the character of “Hal,” the computer in “2001: A Space Odyssey,” in the real world, it’s not nearly as foreboding. AI tools are designed to make routine tasks and other procedures more efficient, which can lead to an increase in productivity while maintaining quality. It can be used to assist with communication and decision-making in all areas, support employee well-being, and make the hiring and onboarding process more efficient, allowing Human Resource professionals to focus more on people, and less on paperwork. The end result? Ideally, this would free up employees to handle more complex tasks, be more creative, and produce more meaningful, in-depth work.

3 Of the top AI tools to boost your productivity

While not an exhaustive, all-inclusive list, below are three of the top AI tools designed to increase your productivity in the workplace, no matter where you work.

1. Bing Chat

When you think of ChatBots, the first thing that might come to mind is their use in customer service. Bing Chat, however, can also check your grammar or give human-sounding answers to questions like: “Where should I take a client for lunch?” or “How’s the company's stock doing?” Bing Chat differs from other well-known Chatbots, such as ChatGPT, in that it is directly linked to the Internet search engine Bing and therefore can provide much more up-to-date information.

2. Canva Pro

Need to do some graphic design on-the-fly? Canva Pro offers many features, including an AI image generator, so you can easily create social media posts, online invitations, fliers, or presentations. It offers functions such as Text to Image, Magic Eraser, Magic Editor, and an AI background remover.

3. Otter.ai

Otter.ai is a tool that can upload a voice recording and transcribe conversations quickly and accurately. It can designate who’s speaking and provide time stamps. It can, for example, create a document that can provide an accurate transcription of what’s been said in meetings, interviews, presentations, and events, which saves time over handwritten notes.

You may have some trepidation over the integration of AI in the workplace, which is completely understandable. While there are both risks and benefits, the adoption of AI can help your productivity no matter your field or industry, and promote work that is innovative, creative, and secure.

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Key takeaways

1. Artificial intelligence (AI) is when computers simulate human intelligence, combining computer science with extensive datasets to facilitate problem-solving. 

2. AI can be used to increase communication, assist with making decisions, support employee well-being, and streamline the hiring process.

3. Popular AI tools to help you increase your work productivity include Bing Chat, Canva Pro, and Otter.ai.