The University of Phoenix has unveiled a significant white paper titled “Leadership Opportunities for Increasing Employee Value through Artificial Intelligence,” authored by Andrew C. Lawlor, Ph.D., and Pamayla E. Darbyshire, DHA, MSN/CNS. This document explores how organizational leaders can leverage AI, particularly generative AI, to enhance employee value by addressing skills gaps and shifting tasks from repetitive work to more meaningful activities.
The paper highlights critical issues leaders currently face, including record-low institutional trust and widespread employee dissatisfaction. According to the authors, 21% of workers report a loss of control over their professional futures, while over half, specifically 51%, experience burnout. The research suggests that thoughtful adoption of AI, combined with targeted upskilling, is essential for improving both performance and employee experience.
Key Findings on AI’s Impact in the Workplace
Dr. Lawlor emphasized the need for leaders to redesign workflows and invest in employee training to realize the full potential of AI. “AI’s value is realized when leaders redesign work and invest in upskilling, so people can move from routine tasks to higher-value responsibilities,” he stated. The combination of human development and intelligent automation is seen as vital in closing the skills gap and enhancing organizational performance.
The white paper outlines several key findings related to AI and workforce efficiency. Notably, research indicates that AI-enabled workflows can lead to performance improvements of over 20%. Generative AI can automate mundane tasks such as data entry and reporting, allowing employees to concentrate on strategic, creative, and customer-facing roles. Such changes not only boost productivity but also help mitigate burnout and increase resilience among employees.
Moreover, the paper discusses macroeconomic implications, referencing estimates that AI could contribute as much as $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. This underscores the urgency for organizations to adopt concrete, people-centered AI strategies now.
Strategies for Effective AI Integration
Dr. Darbyshire pointed out that integrating AI literacy and coaching into daily operations can significantly enhance employee autonomy and reduce feelings of burnout. “Embedding AI literacy, coaching, and clear guardrails into everyday work restores a sense of autonomy and reduces burnout,” she noted. Leaders who prioritize training and create environments that encourage responsible AI use are likely to see improvements in employee engagement, confidence, and overall results.
The full white paper is now accessible on the University of Phoenix Career Institute webpage and the College of Doctoral Studies’ Research Hub. This resource promises to be invaluable for leaders aiming to navigate the complexities of AI integration in the workplace while enhancing employee value and organizational performance.
For further information, the paper can be accessed at: [University of Phoenix White Paper](www.phoenix.edu/content/dam/ed … awlor-darbyshire.pdf).
