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Worker Perspectives on Incorporating Artificial Intelligence into Office Workspaces: Implications for the Future of Office Work

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  • Yoko E. Fukumura

    (Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA)

  • Julie McLaughlin Gray

    (Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA)

  • Gale M. Lucas

    (Institute for Creative Technologies, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA)

  • Burcin Becerik-Gerber

    (Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA)

  • Shawn C. Roll

    (Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA)

Abstract

Workplace environments have a significant impact on worker performance, health, and well-being. With machine learning capabilities, artificial intelligence (AI) can be developed to automate individualized adjustments to work environments (e.g., lighting, temperature) and to facilitate healthier worker behaviors (e.g., posture). Worker perspectives on incorporating AI into office workspaces are largely unexplored. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore office workers’ views on including AI in their office workspace. Six focus group interviews with a total of 45 participants were conducted. Interview questions were designed to generate discussion on benefits, challenges, and pragmatic considerations for incorporating AI into office settings. Sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using an iterative approach. Two primary constructs emerged. First, participants shared perspectives related to preferences and concerns regarding communication and interactions with the technology. Second, numerous conversations highlighted the dualistic nature of a system that collects large amounts of data; that is, the potential benefits for behavior change to improve health and the pitfalls of trust and privacy. Across both constructs, there was an overarching discussion related to the intersections of AI with the complexity of work performance. Numerous thoughts were shared relative to future AI solutions that could enhance the office workplace. This study’s findings indicate that the acceptability of AI in the workplace is complex and dependent upon the benefits outweighing the potential detriments. Office worker needs are complex and diverse, and AI systems should aim to accommodate individual needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Yoko E. Fukumura & Julie McLaughlin Gray & Gale M. Lucas & Burcin Becerik-Gerber & Shawn C. Roll, 2021. "Worker Perspectives on Incorporating Artificial Intelligence into Office Workspaces: Implications for the Future of Office Work," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-15, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:4:p:1690-:d:496950
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Constanta-Nicoleta Bodea & Mario Paparic & Radu Ioan Mogos & Maria-Iuliana Dascalu, 2024. "Artificial Intelligence Adoption in the Workplace and Its Impact on the Upskilling and Reskilling Strategies," The AMFITEATRU ECONOMIC journal, Academy of Economic Studies - Bucharest, Romania, vol. 26(65), pages 126-126, February.
    2. Sara L. Tamers & Jessica M. K. Streit & Casey Chosewood, 2022. "Promising Occupational Safety, Health, and Well-Being Approaches to Explore the Future of Work in the USA: An Editorial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-7, February.
    3. Véra‐Line Montreuil & Roland Foucher, 2023. "Technological changes in the era of digitalization: What do collective agreements tell us?," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 54(1), pages 20-39, January.
    4. Ružena Králiková & Laura Džuňová & Ervin Lumnitzer & Miriama Piňosová, 2022. "Simulation of Artificial Lighting Using Leading Software to Evaluate Lighting Conditions in the Absence of Daylight in a University Classroom," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-16, September.

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