The release of ChatGPT in November 2022 sparked fear and amazement among remote workers—and just about anyone accessing the platform. Still, the feeling of dread has grown among employees and freelancers dealing with the challenges of remote work and AI. Particularly, those working in the knowledge and creative industries saw AI as a disruptor of the workforce. Still, there are plentiful opportunities to leverage AI as a remote worker.
Over 50% of companies in the US currently use AI, and the AI space is expected to grow by 37.3% every year from 2024 to 2030. That said, it’s also likely that employees with AI skills will see a better job market in the future.
Here’s the goal: AI will not replace humans; instead, humans who can leverage AI will become more efficient in their work. Even more, it is creating job opportunities for us. However, the key is to understand its importance and power, and to use it correctly (and safely).
Still confused? Don’t worry. Here’s how AI can help remote workers.
1. Time Management and Scheduling
As a remote worker, you likely rely on several apps daily to schedule your workflow. However, this often comes with many disadvantages, such as failure to prioritize tasks effectively. Therefore, resulting in sacrificing the dedicated focus time for last-minute meetings.
But, using AI tools, you can optimize your time management. Several AI tools are available for remote workers to track their time and analyze time spent and productivity patterns.
Some time management tools are:
- RescueTime: It uses AI to automatically track your time on different websites and applications without any timers or manual entries. You can use this tool to identify time-wasting activities and make adjustments accordingly.
- Clockify: Clockify also uses AI to help you track your time. You can use it to optimize your daily schedules and generate detailed reports and analytics on time usage, including productivity trends and billable hours.
2. Virtual Assistant
Being a remote worker or freelancer means managing everything. From calendar coordination to task management and virtual communications, it can start to feel like your job is doing admin for your job! These tasks require sufficient time and hinder productivity.
However, there is good news! AI addresses most of these challenges, allowing users to focus on more important tasks. Leave the administrative work to AI while you do what you do best.
Intelligent AI-powered tools can manage calendars, schedule meetings, prioritize tasks and deadlines and even respond to inquiries via chatbots. Similarly, many AI tools offer personalized reminders that help you stay on track.
The following are the tools that leverage AI to help with VA tasks:
- Microsoft To Do: Using AI algorithms, this app analyzes patterns, task history, and deadlines. Its suggestions can be used to manage workload effectively.
- Google Assistant: This AI assistant can set reminders, send messages, answer questions, control device settings, control smart devices, and provide information.
- Motion: A comprehensive AI-powered productivity app, Motion helps remote workers by automating, scheduling, prioritizing tasks, enhancing focus, and providing valuable insights into their work patterns.
Using pattern recognition, AI can support remote workers in eliminating tedious and daunting tasks while reserving energy for higher-skilled work.
3. Enhanced Communications
Remote work has its perks, but there’s a flipside. Between the overwhelming volume of emails, absence of non-verbal cues, and technical issues during video conferences, working remotely can make work challenging.
Alternatively, many communication platforms now integrate AI features like sentiment analysis, language translation, and automated transcription. These features help remote and hybrid workers understand the messages regardless of accents and language barriers.
The following commonly used communication platforms integrate AI for better user experience.
- Gmail: Gmail, the most widely used email service, uses AI to prioritize emails using natural language processing (NLP). It can sort high-priority messages and suggest responses to save users time. Its newest technology can help rephrase emails, make suggestions, and rewrite phrases to better fit your tone.
- Grammarly: This widely used writing partner leverages AI to help people communicate more effectively. You can get real-time grammar and style suggestions to make communication effective.
4. Data Analysis
Data processing is inherently time-consuming, leading to many difficulties in collaboration, particularly for remote workers. It also makes it challenging to generate timely and accurate information.
However, with AI-powered tools, it has become easier to analyze data and recognize patterns. The data can be accessed and analyzed for efficient collaborations.
The following AI-driven tools can help in data analysis:
- Tableau: It can be particularly useful in predictive analytics and data visualization. This makes interpreting data a complex task easier. You can create interactive dashboards that visualize your project data with Tableau.
- Power BI: It leverages interactions to automate data preparation tasks. Power BI can also be used to build interactive dashboards with a variety of visualizations, like charts, graphs, maps, etc.
- MonkeyLearn: This app provides insights into textual information, such as customer feedback, social media mentions, etc. This information can be used to improve products and services.
5. Project Management
Not being physically present in a professional workspace makes it challenging for remote workers to manage deadlines, track team members’ progress, and even create significant communication gaps. Due to these issues, missed deadlines and project delays are becoming increasingly common.
With AI-powered tools, remote workers can easily overcome these challenges. The following AI tools work great for project management:
- Trello: This tool can automate task sorting and help in task prioritization. Trello’s AI tool can identify dependencies and workflow patterns to suggest an optimal order of tasks.
- Monday.com: This tool leverages AI to analyze the project and predict potential delays. It also suggests adjustments to keep the project on track.
- Asana: Asana uses AI to send reminders and automate repetitive tasks. These features can be used to automatically assign tasks to the team members based on their expertise and availability.
More than Artificial Intelligence
There’s no doubt that AI is a great assistant. Remote workers can effectively leverage AI in different ways, enhancing productivity, scheduling everyday tasks, making communication easier, and managing big projects.
Still, AI will never replace our need for human connection. With more advantages than we could list, human interaction and a sense of community provide a sense of belonging and strengthen relationships. Not to mention, we weren’t meant to operate like robots.
Coworking spaces provide a place for remote and hybrid workers to connect and offer reprieve from the constant life in front of a screen—something AI could never do. If you’re craving the connection of in-person interactions, see if coworking is right for you. With our wicked-fast fiber optic Internet, you can put AI to work while enjoying a cup of coffee with like-minded—and local—remote workers.
Get your day pass or punch card, or check out membership levels here.
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