The Future of Work Is Human + AI (But Only If We Get It Right)

Reported by: Nurul Addina Azime

​Reading a recent report by Gallup got me thinking, is AI here to replace us, or can it actually be our greatest ally at work? With so much buzz around artificial intelligence, it’s easy to get caught up in the fear of job loss or the hype of fast productivity gains. But Gallup’s findings offer a more balanced, and hopeful perspective.

Instead of rushing to automate everything, the report reminds us to play the long game: make AI a partner, not a replacement. When done right, human-AI collaboration can unlock new levels of creativity, efficiency, and innovation. But here’s the key, the real advantage doesn’t come from the tech alone. It comes from how we empower people to work with it.

🚀 ChatGPT and Co. Are Making Us Faster – But Are We Smarter?

Gallup's study, in collaboration with MIT and Boston Consulting Group, found that professionals using tools like ChatGPT were 37% more productive in writing tasks. That’s a huge leap! Not only that, but workers also produced 20% higher-quality work in less time. Sounds like a dream, right?

But here’s where it gets more interesting: less-experienced workers benefited the most. AI helped them overcome blank-page syndrome and dive straight into idea refinement. That’s not just a time-saver,  it’s a confidence booster. AI became their coach, editor, and cheerleader rolled into one.

So yes, AI is making us faster. But to make us smarter and more effective in the long run, we need more than just speed.

The Communication Breakdown

Here’s where many companies fumble the ball. While 93% of CHROs say they’re actively introducing AI into their organizations, only 15% of U.S. employees say their leadership has clearly communicated how AI will affect their roles. 

That’s a huge gap and a dangerous one.

Without clear communication, employees may fear AI instead of embracing it. Will it take their jobs? Will they need to learn entirely new skills? Or will they just be left behind? A silent rollout of AI can breed resistance, confusion, and even burnout.

From Taskmaster to Teammate: How to Make AI Work with Us

Gallup offers a practical roadmap for companies who want to get AI right — and spoiler alert, it’s all about putting people at the center. Here’s how:

1. Shift from Task Replacement to Workflow Redesign
Don’t just use AI to replace tasks, use it to redesign how work is done. When AI takes over routine or repetitive work, humans are free to do what we do best: think critically, solve problems creatively, and connect meaningfully with others.

For example, banks are using AI to analyze loan applications, freeing up bankers to spend more time giving financial advice. That’s a win-win: faster decisions for customers, more meaningful work for employees.

2. Train for Curiosity, Not Just Skills
Gallup makes a compelling point here as the AI landscape evolves, it’s not just technical skills that matter. It’s intellectual tenacity — the ability to learn, adapt, and stay curious.

Employees with this mindset thrive even in the face of disruption. They don’t panic when a new tool arrives — they dive in, explore it, and figure out how to make it work for them. That’s the kind of learning culture companies need to build.

3. Invite Employees to Be Co-Creators
Rather than imposing AI tools from the top down, organizations should ask employees: “How could AI help you do your job better?”

When workers are involved in shaping how AI is used, they’re more likely to embrace it. They become co-creators, not just end users. That builds ownership, trust, and better outcomes all around.

🎯Long-Term Success = People First, Tech Second

Gallup’s bottom line is simple but powerful: AI is a tool, not a strategy. The real strategy? Empowering people to use that tool wisely.

Companies that succeed with AI won’t be the ones who chase trends or automate everything overnight. They’ll be the ones who invest in their people — helping them grow, learn, and lead alongside technology.
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In other words, the most successful workplaces of the future won’t be powered by AI alone. They’ll be powered by human potential, amplified by AI.

Final Thought

At 57Network, we believe the future isn’t about humans versus AI. It’s about humans and AI, working together side by side to create something smarter, faster, and more meaningful. If you're in a workplace that's exploring AI, ask yourself: Are we using this tech to make humans better — or just to move faster? The answer could shape your entire future. Let’s play the long game. Let’s keep learning. Let’s build a better, smarter, more human workplace with AI as our co-pilot.

Want to dig deeper into this topic? Read the full article from Gallup here: Play the Long Game With Human-AI Collaboration

Also at 57Network, we specialize in modern work management, cybersecurity, and business connectivity—empowering organizations to work smarter, safer, and more collaboratively. With tailored solutions and expert training, we help teams unlock their full potential and thrive in today’s digital landscape. Ready to transform the way you work?  Connect with us today.