Why human touch matters even more in the age of AI? | Priya Mishra | Chief Talent Officer | Burson Group India
It’s Monday morning, and you’re walking into the office energised after the perfect weekend, having stumbled upon an undiscovered gem of a destination you enjoyed with your family. The memories are fresh, the stories are ready to spill and you are excited to share the joy with your colleagues. But imagine for a second… what if there were no one there? Who would you turn to in the office to share this unforgettable experience with? If you didn’t have friends or colleagues, suddenly the joy would diminish, and the experience would feel hollow if you were to share it virtually. This is one of the simplest examples to prove the power of human presence even as AI reshapes our workplaces and work environments.
The tribe effect: Creating a culture of connection and community
From important meetings to welcoming new members or bidding farewell to long-term associations, every workplace experience is based on the human touch. How hollow of a feeling it would be if we couldn’t simply walk up to a colleague and ask, “Hey, how’s this done?” Or “What’s the update on this?” Or even, “Let’s take a break and grab a cup of coffee!” Think about the simple act of sharing your life updates- “I went to a show last night – you should check it out!” Or “I explored this amazing sushi place yesterday that you’ll like”. Such casual conversations build camaraderie and strengthen bonds. How would you feel if there was no one sitting around you in the workplace to share these moments?
The guidance, support and encouragement of our coworkers and managers are invaluable and pivotal to our growth. AI indeed provides practical solutions, but it cannot offer empathy, care and motivation that is expected of a trusted mentor. In fact, AI tools can’t even cheer you up on a bad day like your teammates or workplace friends can. And how can we overlook the power of catch-up sessions? Sitting together in a meeting room, exchanging ideas in real time, leading to a burst of creativity – it’s a kind of energy no algorithm can match.
Human connection is the heartbeat of a thriving workplace
We spend a significant part of our day connecting with others in the work environment. These interactions aren’t just about fun but help build trust among employees, foster collaboration and create a sense of shared purpose. Undoubtedly, AI helps analyse datasets and automates routine tasks. However, in no way can it replace human judgement, empathy and connection. Let’s not overlook the challenges that can arise when teams rely solely on technology to stay connected. Without in-person interactions, building genuine chemistry becomes harder, and misalignments within the team can quickly surface. Sure, AI can schedule meetings and streamline tasks, but it can’t pick up on the subtle cues that humans naturally do – body language, tone of voice, facial expressions. These nuances are key to understanding each other on a deeper level, and they’re often lost in digital communication.
No matter how much workplaces evolve or how advanced our tools become, nothing can replace the power of teamwork, in-person collaboration, and genuine human interaction. Human connection is the heartbeat of a thriving workplace – it’s what fuels a positive, supportive culture. The energy of shared laughter, the spark of spontaneous ideas, the sense of belonging – these are the intangible elements that transform a workplace into something far greater than just a place to work.
At our core, we’re social beings. We crave connection, seek belonging, and deeply value interpersonal relationships. These are needs no AI – or any technology can truly fulfill. Because while innovation can enhance how we work, it’s human connection that gives work its meaning.
Humans and AI: A powerful association
Today, AI is practically everywhere. From making content to taking inspiration for ideas, data analysis, etc., it is now an essential solution that is redefining the nature of work. This often leads to a commonly asked question: With AI taking centre stage, what’s the future of human talent? Well, the answer to this is simple: the future is certainly filled with endless possibilities and opportunities for growth. What we need to do is renew our focus on the unique human qualities that AI cannot replicate or replace. It’s about striking the right balance between AI and human interaction to create more efficient, engaging and fulfilling work experiences. In a world increasingly dominated by algorithms, the human touch is not just valuable but essential.
To sum up
Humans versus machines is the incorrect narrative that we need to change. Our focus should be on creating the future of work where humans work with machines. We must leverage the power of AI wisely to strengthen human capabilities and free us from mundane tasks. This way, we’ll be able to allocate our valuable time and resources towards things that truly matter – building relationships, solving complex problems and driving growth.
Let’s embrace AI for all the ways it can support us, but let’s never underestimate the power of a simple smile, a listening ear, or a catch-up session over coffee. Even the smartest algorithm can crash, but the warmth of a well-timed high-five or the joy of shared laughter? That’s irreplaceable. The human touch remains at the heart of innovation, collaboration, and success in the workplace – it’s what drives us forward. AI is here to complement our efforts, not replace them. Together, we can harness its potential while holding onto what truly matters: genuine human connection.