The Future of Professionals Report highlights the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on various aspects of work, particularly focusing on its role in enhancing the mental health and well-being of professionals. The report, based on a survey of over 1,200 individuals across tax and accounting, legal, global trade, risk, and compliance fields, reveals that many professionals experience stress, burnout, and a lack of work-life balance, due to factors such as increased client demands, long working hours, and inefficient tools and resources.
The report also reveals that AI is a source of both optimism and concern among professionals. While some fear that AI may lead to job loss, longer working hours, and less meaningful work, others see it as a catalyst for driving efficiencies, analyzing vast amounts of data, and aiding in research. Despite the concerns, the majority of professionals expressed a cautious optimism about AI’s potential benefits.
The report suggests that AI can help address some of the mental health concerns of professionals by reducing risks, long working hours, and the worry of making mistakes or missing critical details. By increasing efficiency, AI can free up professionals’ time for higher-value, higher-touch work, and reduce the risk of human error. However, it is crucial for firm leaders and in-house functions to communicate that AI is intended to augment, not replace, professionals in their jobs.
To make the most of AI, professionals are encouraged to upskill and learn how to get the best out of AI, as well as the outputs needed to best serve their clients or businesses. Young professionals can also benefit from AI by using it to optimize their output and increase their value.
In conclusion, the report emphasizes that both positive and negative perceptions of AI’s impact on professionals’ work motivations, work-life balance, and mental health and well-being will remain at play over the next five years. Each individual professional is encouraged to understand their internal drivers, conduct an honest assessment of their unique value proposition, identify areas for professional development, and establish personal guardrails to maintain a healthy mental well-being. To learn more about the impacts of AI on the industry and how AI can increase the well-being of professionals by reducing risks, read the Future of Professionals report.
