Technology Record - Issue 33: Summer 2024

FEATURE Employees are overwhelmed with work. Sixty-eight per cent are struggling with the pace and volume of their work, and 46 per cent feel burned out, according to the 2024 Work Trend Index by Microsoft and LinkedIn. Microsoft attributes these figures to digital debt, which occurs when communication-based tasks outweigh creative tasks. For example, workers are overwhelmed with emails and meetings, with the typical person reading approximately four emails for every one they send. Data from Microsoft 365 applications shows that users spend 60 per cent of their time focused on emails, chats and messages, and only 40 per cent of their time interacting with creation apps like Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. To fix this imbalance, organisations need smarter tools that simplify communication and free up more time for employees to focus on the creative tasks that deliver greater satisfaction. “Our latest research highlights the opportunity for every organisation to apply this technology to drive better BY ALICE CHAMBERS Microsoft’s portfolio of generative AI products and tools is automating basic processes, helping employees to save time at work, focus on highervalue tasks, be more creative and find greater satisfaction in their work Mastering the 38 of AI “ We have a vision for Copilot that is ambitious and, we believe, truly transformational” MUSTAFA SULEYMAN, MICROSOFT

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