In a world where innovation and change is the new constant, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a catalyst and is unleashing a true revolution. The trick now is to find the right combination of AI and human power as soon as possible, with maximum synergy and thus achieve sustainable results. Organisations that make the right combination can add more value and realise efficiencies every day. This contributes to competitiveness and sustainable growth.
AI as strengthening people and replacing tasks
The power of AI lies in both empowering and replacing people. AI takes over routine tasks, giving people space for work they excel at, such as creativity, empathy, analysis and strategy formation. AI does not usually replace entire functions, but it does replace tasks, creating more space for real work and thus making work more meaningful. In the process, AI strengthens human capacity. By quickly processing large amounts of data and recognising patterns, AI helps professionals make better decisions. For instance, it acts as a smart assistant that provides insights and can provide an initial interpretation on them, while the final interpretation and use remains with humans. Organisations that deploy AI in this way are leveraging the technology effectively.
Strategic added value and increased productivity
It helps to start deploying AI where it adds value in collaboration with humans. Research shows that in the Netherlands, AI can be complementary in 43 per cent of jobs. With this relatively high figure compared to surrounding countries, the Netherlands can take a lead in productivity improvement.
The extent to which AI supports or takes over tasks varies greatly by sector.
In sectors such as construction and hospitality, the impact is limited for now. In healthcare and legal services, AI mainly works in a complementary way, such as file creation and file analysis. In accountancy, with many standard processes, the possibility of almost complete automation is high. This variation highlights the importance of customisation: it is about where and how AI adds value and empowers people even more.
It is useful to distinguish between AI that adds value and AI that increases efficiency. The former is about better service, such as faster interaction or more personalised customer experience; the latter is about
process optimisation, such as saving time or reducing administrative burdens. Both are valuable and require attention. Organisations that recognise this and innovate in a targeted way strengthen both their market position and internal strength.
AI as an integral part of the organisation
AI, besides being a technical issue, is primarily a business issue. Embracing and applying the technology strategically and tactically within the business model, culture and operations enhances effectiveness and efficiency. It is not a separate project, but an integral part of the organisation.
Management plays an important role in adoption. A key task for them is to make employees not see AI as a threat but rather encourage them to seek the combination for added value and efficiency. In doing so, employees need knowledge and skills to deploy AI effectively. Investing in training, guidance and support is indispensable here. A culture of learning and experimentation creates commitment and trust.
In addition, awareness of issues such as compliance, security and privacy is crucial for successful adoption. It is important that employees understand the rules, risks and responsibilities involved in using AI. Think of data security, explainability, bias and ethical boundaries. Without this understanding, trust is lacking and adoption remains limited. Actively developing this knowledge builds support. Employees see how they can apply AI safely and responsibly, which is essential for wide and continued use.
Building the future with man and machine
AI is not a temporary trend, but a structural part of modern business operations. Those who see AI as a strategic foundation, just like innovation or talent development, lay the foundation for sustainable growth. Organisations that achieve this create a working environment in which employees perform optimally with the help of technology.
AI enhances not only value and productivity, but also attractiveness as an employer. In a tight labour market, talent chooses organisations that invest in development. The collaboration between humans and AI is thus more than technology, it is a strategic choice. Managers who make that choice consciously strengthen the use of human potential with AI and prepare their organisation for what is coming anyway.
What will and can AI do for your organisation? If you want to talk about that or have other questions and/or comments please contact us. Max de Jong, mdejong@tnxto.com and Steije Renes, srenes@tnxto.com.
