7 Questions to Consider Before Using GenAI in Your Work

For those who have reservations about integrating GenAI into their work routines, it may be helpful to ask why. One major concern is the phenomenon of “hallucinations” in GenAI output, where the technology generates incorrect or misleading information. Beyond that, there are broader ethical concerns about GenAI. These include fears of job displacement and concerns about privacy, security, and misuse of GenAI-generated content.

These concerns can make it difficult for professionals to trust or understand the technology. However, training for a deeper understanding of how GenAI works, combined with careful selection of the right tools tailored to specific needs and ethical guidelines, can alleviate these concerns.

Being aware of your perception of GenAI is essential to making informed decisions about how you want to use it.

How do you plan to use GenAI?

There are many different ways professionals can use GenAI in their workplace, so finding a use case that fits your specific needs is essential.

One of the most common uses is to automate tedious and time-consuming tasks, such as processing large amounts of data or generating reports. Another way GenAI is used in the workplace is to improve decision-making; it can analyze data and find patterns that would be difficult for humans to identify.

By thinking carefully about how you plan to use GenAI and taking steps to mitigate risks, you can ensure the tool is a valuable asset to your business.

Do you have a current process that seems inefficient?

If you’re having trouble identifying a specific use case for GenAI, start by taking stock of your current processes. Consider the following questions about your current workflows:

• Are there any repetitive, time-consuming, or error-prone tasks?
• Are there any areas where you would like to improve efficiency or productivity?
• Are there any tasks you could automate?
• Are there areas where you would like to gain more information or make better decisions?

By taking the time to think about how you currently do your work, you may be able to easily identify one or two areas where GenAI could be most beneficial to your business.

Do you know the difference between public GenAI and sectoral GenAI?

There are two main types of GenAI to consider: public technologies and industry-specific technologies. Public technologies are often less expensive than industry-specific technologies and can be used for a wider variety of tasks. However, industry-specific GenAI technology is often more accurate and effective because it is tailored to the specific needs of a particular industry.

In the Generative AI 2024 report, public-facing tools like ChatGPT appear to be the leading GenAI technology currently in use, but this trend could soon change as more industry-specific technology vendors introduce their own solutions. In fact, for the legal sector in particular, it is predicted that the use of industry-specific tools could match or surpass public GenAI tools by 2027.

Knowing the different types of GenAI tools and the benefits and risks helps you choose the tool that best suits your needs.

Have you received any training on how to use GenAI?

While GenAI has the potential to revolutionize many industries, it’s essential to ensure you have the skills and expertise to use it effectively. Implementing GenAI without proper training can lead to risks and missed opportunities.

Like any other technology, GenAI requires a certain level of understanding and mastery to operate effectively. Training programs equip professionals with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions based on the information generated by GenAI and to understand the ethical implications of its use.

However, many industries still lag behind in training: less than 20% of law and tax firms surveyed have received any GenAI training. Additionally, a small number of respondents also said they were unsure whether their organization provided any training.

The GenAI technology training landscape is currently very diverse and somewhat ambiguous, leaving professionals uncertain about the best path forward. Some training options may include product-specific training from technology service providers, webcasts and online courses, or in-person presentations by IT experts.

By receiving proper training on GenAI, you ensure that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to exploit the full potential of the tool.

How will you use the time freed up by GenAI?

In the Generative AI report, 41% of respondents were excited about GenAI increasing their efficiency, and 11% were excited about the time savings. GenAI promises to create efficiency in your work, saving you valuable time by automating repetitive tasks.

These statistics raise a particularly intriguing question: What do you do with the extra time in your day?

You can spend this extra time doing what you do best, whether that’s creative thinking, strategic planning, building relationships with clients or stakeholders, or focusing on your well-being and mental health.

GenAI is here to stay: are you ready?

GenAI is rapidly transforming the world as we know it. From self-driving cars to facial recognition software, we’re already seeing a major impact on our lives that will only increase in the years to come.

For businesses, GenAI offers many potential benefits, including increased efficiency, productivity, and satisfaction. However, professionals must prepare for the challenges and questions that come with this technology, such as the need to retrain employees and address ethical concerns.