The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its increasing use in corporate settings has created new applications in the workplace for which company leaders and employees need to learn and adapt in a relatively short space of time. The use cases for AI in leadership seem very positive, with tools measuring performance and feedback evaluations becoming personalised by applying deep data analysis. As AI develops to this level of automation, how do we see this impacting our company culture?

According to a 2023 study by Gartner, 47% of employees feel more disconnected from their company’s culture due to the rapid integration of AI and automation technologies. It could be argued that as integral human-centric aspects of leadership and organisational culture are slowly being removed, employees are becoming less engaged, motivated and productive.

Undoubtedly, AI will be a big part of every company’s future, but the approach taken to maintain human interaction between leadership teams and employees is crucial for success.

AI and the Disconnect in Company Culture

The benefits of AI to an organisation. across all industries, range from automating tasks which are traditionally resource-intensive, to making informed decisions based on new levels of data analysis. AI offers a new way for businesses to accelerate innovation, reduce costs and increase efficiencies. There is a risk of alienation and overuse of AI in instances where real human interaction is key.

Some employees may inevitably view AI as a threat to their roles. This can have a detrimental impact on company culture and the way in which teams collaborate. Face-to-face conversation, feedback and mentorship all feed into the essence of human connection and fuelling the sense of purpose within an employee’s career.

Employees connection and belief in their company’s mission and values are fundamental in participation and inclusivity. With the increased use of AI and dependence on interaction with machine over human, there is a risk of detachment and dissatisfaction, impacting workplace culture.  Humans have an innate need for humans to seek guidance, recognition and feedback to build meaningful morale and motivation, this can’t be replicated.

Leadership teams need to make sure they step up and provide the emotional and social connections needed to maintain engagement, productivity and loyalty within their role.

Human Leadership from Day One 

A Chief Impact Officer plays a key role in elevating a business while preserving and expanding the core culture that brought it success. They guide the organisation’s growth with a focus on making a positive impact on its people, customers, and the environment.

By fostering an environment of active listening, team empowerment, and leading through example, the Chief Impact Officer establishes a solid foundation for enduring success across the organisation.

A Chief Impact Officer is pivotal in advancing a business while sustaining and enhancing the core culture that drives its success. They steer organisational growth with a dedicated focus on creating positive impacts for employees, customers, and the environment.

• Keeping Human Connection Alive – A Chief Impact Officer serves as a vital advocate for employees, ensuring they feel recognised and valued. This role safeguards activities that foster human connection, even as AI becomes more prominent. Initiatives like regular in-person meetings, thoughtful feedback beyond algorithm-driven decisions, and team-building days help maintain personal connections. When communication flows easily between employees and senior leadership, critical business decisions are made with greater clarity. As a result, technology is embraced as an aid rather than a replacement for human interaction.

• Aligning Values Companywide – Not all aspects of technology or the talent pool will be aligned with an organisation’s mission, values or ethical standards. The Chief Impact Officer’s role is to ensure the streamlining of company culture throughout different departments and aspects of the business. This becomes particularly crucial at a Group level, where company structures may differ. A seamless approach across an organisation or group provides for consistency in culture and purpose for employees.

• Empathy and Leadership Development – Whilst AI saves time on routine tasks, it cannot replicate the empathy, emotional intelligence, and people management skills that seasoned leaders bring. The Chief Impact Officer champions skill-building for senior managers through training and professional development, equipping them to lead effectively within a technology-driven environment.

• Championing Well-Being and Inclusion – Beyond ensuring employees feel valued over technology, the Chief Impact Officer also needs to recognise mental health, work-life balance and inclusion. Employees will feel more connected and secure in their roles with a leader who promotes an inclusive, people-first approach. This can also extend to ensuring AI does not contribute to increased stress or discrimination for certain groups, fostering a supportive work culture for all.

Growing businesses must not only strengthen their structures but also invest in the people who drive success. Appointing a Chief Impact Officer from day one helps rapidly scaling organisations double down on company culture.

Balancing AI and Human-Centric Leadership

The gap between AI and human interaction will widen if companies don’t address it now. Maintaining human interaction is a simpler action than trying to rebuild a culture with disengaged employees.

As AI’s role in the workplace expands, the balancing act between technology and human interaction will become more important. Organisations that proactively advocate for the human side of business will be the ones that successfully create a culture that embraces both innovation and humanity.