Can AI Really Solve the Tech Attention Crisis in the Workplace?

(SeaPRwire) –   By: Oliver Hawthorne

In today’s digital age, the issue of tech addiction has become a hot topic of debate, especially in the workplace. Thanks to a wave of landmark lawsuits against some of the world’s largest social media companies, the spotlight has been shone on the detrimental effects of excessive screen time and constant digital distractions. For employers, this has translated into a familiar problem: employees struggling to stay focused, their attention constantly pulled toward their phones.

Jayney Howson, ServiceNow’s chief learning officer, noticed this pattern in her own workforce and decided to take action. The company created “mind gyms,” an AI-powered learning platform where a “personal professor” guides employees through short cognitive exercises designed to strengthen focus, critical thinking, and mental agility.

The concept behind “mind gyms” is based on the idea that just as physical exercise is important for maintaining a healthy body, mental exercise is crucial for keeping our minds sharp and focused. When people moved from manual labor jobs to desk jobs, the lack of physical activity led to an obesity epidemic. To address this, gyms were created to provide people with the opportunity to exercise and build muscle. Similarly, as our work becomes increasingly digital, the need for mental exercise has become more important than ever.

One of the exercises offered by “mind gyms” involves sales employees practicing pitches with a lifelike AI customer that engages in natural conversations and scores the employees on aspects such as eye contact, filler words, and conciseness. Howson reports that approximately 75% of employees return to repeat the exercise, indicating its effectiveness in improving their skills.

However, the use of AI to combat tech distractions raises an obvious question: Can more technology really solve the problem? Howson argues that the answer depends on how HR leaders use it. She emphasizes that AI should complement human interaction rather than replace it. For example, after practicing with AI avatars, sales employees pair up with coworkers to apply those same skills in real conversations. This approach allows for the integration of technology with human interaction, enhancing the learning experience and promoting better communication skills.

Howson also challenges the prevailing narrative that focuses solely on what the human is doing wrong. Instead, she suggests that we should shift the focus to creating the conditions for unlocking incredible human potential. By providing employees with the tools and training they need to improve their mental focus and agility, companies can empower their workforce to perform at their best.

In conclusion, the use of AI in the workplace to address the tech attention crisis is an interesting approach. While it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, it has the potential to be an effective tool when used in conjunction with human interaction and support. As technology continues to evolve, it will be important for HR leaders to carefully consider how to leverage it to enhance the productivity and well-being of their employees.

Author bio: Oliver Hawthorne, a Principal Correspondent permanently stationed at an international technology review.