The University of Phoenix has released a new white paper titled “Leadership Opportunities for Increasing Employee Value through Artificial Intelligence.” Authored by Andrew C. Lawlor, Ph.D., and Pamayla E. Darbyshire, DHA, MSN/CNS, both esteemed Fellows at the Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research (CEITR), the paper explores how leaders can harness artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance employee value.
This comprehensive study addresses critical issues facing today’s workforce, including skills gaps, loss of worker autonomy, and pervasive burnout. With 21% of employees indicating a diminished sense of control over their professional paths and nearly 51% reporting feelings of burnout, the authors advocate for strategic AI adoption as a remedy.
Transforming Work Through AI
The white paper posits that leaders have the opportunity to leverage AI, particularly generative AI, to transition employees from mundane tasks to more meaningful roles. The authors cite findings from the University’s Career Optimism Index and other relevant research, emphasizing that the thoughtful integration of AI into organizational practices can significantly enhance both performance and employee experience.
“AI’s value is realized when leaders redesign work and invest in upskilling, so people can move from routine tasks to higher-value responsibilities,” stated Lawlor. His insights underline the importance of combining human development with intelligent automation to bridge existing skills gaps and bolster organizational performance.
The paper highlights several notable findings. AI tools and training are crucial in narrowing skills gaps and reinstating autonomy. Research indicates that organizations employing AI-enabled workflows can see performance improvements exceeding 20%. By automating non-value-added tasks such as data entry and reporting, AI allows employees to concentrate on strategic and customer-facing initiatives.
Implications for Leadership and Workforce Development
For organizations to capitalize on AI’s advantages, effective leadership practices are essential. The authors advocate for a focus on upskilling and transformational leadership, which can alleviate burnout and empower employees with greater control over their careers.
At a broader economic level, the paper references projections suggesting that AI could contribute as much as $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. This underscores the urgency for organizations to implement actionable, people-centered AI strategies.
“Embedding AI literacy, coaching, and clear guardrails into everyday work restores a sense of autonomy and reduces burnout,” said Darbyshire. She emphasizes that leaders who normalize training and create environments conducive to responsible AI use will likely see improvements in employee engagement, confidence, and overall results.
The complete white paper is accessible through the University of Phoenix’s Career Institute webpage as well as the College of Doctoral Studies’ Research Hub. For further details, refer to the publication by Andrew C. Lawlor and Pamayla E. Darbyshire, available at www.phoenix.edu/content/dam/ed … awlor-darbyshire.pdf.
This new research offers valuable insights for leaders seeking to enhance employee value in a rapidly evolving workplace influenced by technology.
