Are AI Assistants Becoming a Part of Daily Life? — Considering the Future of Work
The city of San Jose is considering the introduction of an AI platform to support the work of civil servants. If this trend continues, how will our working environment change?
1. Today’s News
Source:
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/10/18/san-jose-employees-meet-your-new-chatbot-assistant-city-eyes-expansion-of-ai/
Summary:
- The city of San Jose is seeking proposals for an AI platform to alleviate repetitive tasks for civil servants.
- This AI aims to streamline administrative tasks, allowing staff to focus on more important duties.
- The introduction of AI is expected to enhance workplace productivity.
2. Considering the Background
The increasing use of AI is attributed to the rising need for business efficiency. Specifically, administrative agencies regularly handle vast amounts of paperwork and data organization. These tasks often require substantial manual work, and there is a need to reduce errors while improving efficiency. In response to such demands, the adoption of AI is progressing. So, what will happen to our future if this trend continues?
3. What Will the Future Hold?
Hypothesis 1 (Neutral): A Future Where AI Assistants Are Commonplace
With AI deeply involved in daily tasks, the workplace landscape will change. Workstyles will become more flexible, and remote work will penetrate even further. However, over-reliance on AI might reduce opportunities for communication between humans. If this change proceeds, a workplace culture prioritizing efficiency may become the norm.
Hypothesis 2 (Optimistic): A Future Where AI Significantly Enhances the Quality of Labor
By handling routine tasks, AI will enable humans to concentrate on creative work. New innovations will emerge, and career potentials will expand. Workplace motivation may improve, shifting the value of work from “efficiency” to “creativity.”
Hypothesis 3 (Pessimistic): A Future Where Human Roles Diminish
The proliferation of AI may lead to a decrease in human jobs and an increase in unemployment rates. As this continues, workplace values may focus solely on “efficiency,” reducing the demand for human labor. The diminishing roles of humans could significantly alter social structures and prompt a reevaluation of the meaning of work.
4. Tips on What We Can Do
Thinking Tips
- Consider how to enhance your own value in a future where you work alongside AI.
- It is vital to acquire skills that enable you to adapt flexibly to changes.
Small Practice Tips
- Start by increasing opportunities to engage with new technologies regularly and become familiar with them.
- Proactively discuss the introduction of AI in the workplace and share your opinions.
5. What Would You Do?
- How would you utilize AI when it is introduced to your workplace?
- What skills would you like to acquire to coexist with AI?
- As efficiency progresses with AI, what values would you like to prioritize?
What kind of future did you envision? Please share your thoughts through social media quotes or comments.