Keeping calm in response to the rise in artificial intelligence

The founder of CALM in a Box has created a new programme aimed at boosting productivity and effectiveness in the workplace in response to artificial intelligence gathering pace.

Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter and chief executive of car company Tesla, was one of the key figures in AI who recently contributed to an open letter warning of potential risks saying that the race to develop AI systems is out of control.

According to workplace culture expert Sarah Markham, while we need to embrace change, we also need to be aware of the moral, social and behavioural problems that AI can cause.

In response to the rise of AI, she has recently launched the Calm Design School.

Sarah said: “While there is no doubting that AI is the future, we need to consider the long-term implications and efficiency over effectiveness.

“For example, the introduction of tech may initially triple profit but what are the people implications?

“We’re all now very familiar with ChatBots but, over time, they have become more sophisticated with the increase in fraudulent phone calls and scams.

“There are some scary statistics out there about AI and the extinction of the human race, but I do believe that progressive organisations will always value people.

“But what we will need from people will change. That is why I have created the Calm Design School; to give people new tools and techniques to improve connection, mindset, energy and motivation, which is what will really matter in the workplace of the future.”

Sarah has also been working with Derby Junior Lawyers to help them think about innovating more effective ways of working across the legal sector.

It comes after The Law Society recently revealed that junior lawyers have reported lower levels of happiness than experienced lawyers and are less likely to find their work meaningful than other groups.

Sarah said: “I worked with the Derby Junior Lawyers to help them find solutions that can drive positive culture change across the legal sector, finding a greater balance within an industry that is often associated with long hours and increasing workloads.

“The way that lawyers work leaves them at high risk of burnout due to the ways of working, some leadership behaviour and workplace culture.”

Amelia Sutcliffe, of Smith Partnership, who was among those who attended sessions with Sarah, said: “I’m realising the power of being vulnerable with other people and I’m less afraid of the possible consequences.

“I’ve started saying at work that I don’t have capacity and setting that boundary if I need to.”