Why "Playing" at Work Might Be the Key to Adapting to AI
- By CDOTrends editors
- February 19, 2024
Digital “playgrounds” that let employees safely test new technologies could be the next frontier in workplace training and upskilling, according to research from Deloitte. These virtual spaces allow workers to experiment with emerging technologies, take risks and make mistakes without real-world consequences.
The goal is to "make work better for humans and humans better at work," the report highlighted.
Digital twins, augmented reality, AI analytics and other cutting-edge applications bring game-like experiences into corporate learning. Digital replicas of worksites let employees practice new skills. Voice bots act as virtual coaches. Analytics track progress and suggest personalized development paths.
"Play might be best when it’s open-ended, but that doesn’t mean it should be frivolous or disconnected from the purpose of the organization," the report added.
As jobs evolve alongside AI and automation, digital playgrounds could help workers learn the unique human skills needed to collaborate with smart machines, adapt to new roles, and drive innovation.
The researchers found that while 76% of employees want guidance on how their jobs may change, less than half say their employers provide it. That gap highlights the need for more experimentation and future-focused training.
"Workers should feel like active participants in the evolution of their roles; giving them a place to explore and play can be a way to earn their buy-in," Deloitte noted.
The concept extends beyond training. Digital playgrounds can also help companies crowdsource innovations and solutions from frontline workers.
For example, the Vancouver Airport Authority created an interactive digital replica of the airport to foster experimentation. Operations teams have already found uses like tracking vehicle parking violations, forecasting passenger wait times and streamlining aircraft maintenance.
The researchers encourage companies to give more employees access to these digital sandboxes and make experimentation part of their jobs. But it requires a culture shift.
"Above all, digital playgrounds should be spaces where workers at all levels of an organization are given the time, encouragement, and opportunity to experiment and play," the report stressed.
That means establishing psychological safety so employees can test ideas without fear of failure and rewarding innovation from digital play. As technology creates uncertainty about the future of work, digital playgrounds could help companies and employees better adapt to change.
Image credit: iStockphoto/Viacheslav Peretiatko