Recently, an AI Executive Order from President Biden, directed the Department of Labor (DOL) to create their Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Worker Well-being: Principles for Developers and Employers. These guidelines are so developers and employers can navigate, harness, and protect AI technology interactions in various work environments.
These specific DOL principles include:
Understanding the development of AI will help to ensure that new opportunities and the potential problems are carefully reviewed throughout its development. Starting with how AI was first introduced in the workplace which can help to understand both its history and future potential.
History and future of AI
The term artificial intelligence was introduced by John McCarthy at Dartmouth College in 1955. With the consistent advancements, AI became more sophisticated at modeling human intelligence and problem solving. Today, AI has the ability to do repetitive tasks that can provide opportunities for humans to concentrate on higher level responsibilities. However, this transition also has the potential of eliminating jobs that were primarily done by humans. With this shift in the workplace, the following DOL’s AI principles provide a framework for the future.
Centering Worker Empowerment
“Workers and their representatives, especially those from underserved communities, should be informed of and have genuine input in the design, development, testing, training, use, and oversight of AI systems for use in the workplace.”
The DOL is recommending that workers, representatives, and underserved communities have active participation in the development and rollout of AI systems in their workplace. With the idea of getting their input from the beginning to best serve those who will be directly impacted by the integration of AI before it is implemented.
Future tasks: Company-wide meetings, surveys, and teams who are dedicated to employee concerns
Ethically Developing AI
“AI systems should be designed, developed, and trained in a way that protects workers.”
Ethical AI is when moral principles guide the use and development of AI that doesn’t compromise the safety and security of employees.
Future tasks: Developing AI code of ethics that addresses potential bias, privacy, and data risks
Establishing AI Governance and Human Oversight
“Organizations should have clear governance systems, procedures, human oversight, and evaluation processes for AI systems for use in the workplace.”
The DOL wants to ensure that AI is unable to make decisions without human input and implement oversight of every automated system as a safeguard.
Future tasks: Establishing written policies for AI procedures, evaluations, and auditing systems
Ensuring Transparency in AI Use
“Employers should be transparent with workers and job seekers about the AI systems that are being used in the workplace.”
Employees who have advance notice of new AI systems, will be better prepared to understand and help customers with any questions or issues regarding troubleshooting.
Future tasks: Hands-on demonstrations of new systems, related documentation, and projected goals
Protecting Labor and Employment Rights
“AI systems should not violate or undermine workers' right to organize, health and safety rights, wage and hour rights, and anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation protections.”
Having AI systems in place should not take away any worker’s rights in relation to wages, hours, safety, or any other established employment laws. These laws serve as protections for humans and AI does not supersede those rights or diminish them.
Future tasks: Written policies detailing workers rights, updated employee manual, and related trainings
Using AI to Enable Workers
“AI systems should assist, complement, and enable workers, and improve job quality.”
Employers and developers are encouraged to improve job satisfaction by using AI technology to assist humans to achieve the company’s goals.
Future tasks: Trainings related to how AI can assist employees to achieve additional job satisfaction
Supporting Workers Impacted by AI
“Employers should support or upskill workers during job transitions related to AI.”
When AI is introduced as an alternative to complete certain tasks, it can encourage the employer to offer new opportunities in order to expand the skill set of humans to do higher level jobs.
Future tasks: Cross trainings to expand the skills of humans to achieve faster career advancement
Ensuring Responsible Use of Worker Data
“Workers' data collected, used, or created by AI systems should be limited in scope and location, used only to support legitimate business aims, and protected and handled responsibly.”
When a system is automated it typically has the ability to retain data that can be stored and used in the future. It is the responsibility of the employer or developer to ensure that information is protected.
Future tasks: Built-in security measures that can be regularly updated and data that can be encrypted
Benefits of new DOL AI principles for employees
Employee opinions and feedback are sought out - According to Gallup, only 33% of U.S. employees are fully engaged in their company’s outcomes. However, this translates into a better overall experience for the employee who feels more valued when they are engaged in the process.
Transparency is part of the workplace culture - Employees who feel like they work in an open and honest environment are often encouraged to share new ideas and suggestions for improvement. It also helps to build trust and strengthen teamwork.
New opportunities become available - New AI technology can be a concern for some employees if it seems AI will replace their job. However, if employers offer new opportunities that are less repetitive and lead to future promotions, AI can help them achieve new goals.
How employers benefit from DOL AI principles
Productivity increases with more creative solutions - When a chatbot can assist with repetitive questions, it gives humans who would normally answer those inquiries, the time to handle more complex problems and becomes a better use of their time.
Information can be managed more securely and efficiently - Since AI can be customized to capture data and process information, it often has the ability to also monitor and protect user privacy and avoid data breaches.
Companies can benefit from a competitive advantage - According to 77% of senior executives that were surveyed, they found AI’s ability to examine patterns, trends, and create detailed reports, gave their company a competitive advantage to improve their services.