The world of work is changing at a rapid pace, primarily due to advances in artificial intelligence. Markus Albers, an expert in digital transformation, calls for more courage when dealing with new technologies and more flexible working models.

Mr Albers, you have been looking at the effects of digitalisation on the world of work for a long time. In recent months and years, the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) in particular has been the subject of much discussion. There is a great deal of scepticism about the rapid change brought about by AI. How do you view this development?
It is undisputed that AI will significantly change our working world. Generative AI in particular will do this, for example AI that independently generates new content such as text, images, audio or other data. In view of the rapid developments in this area, I believe it is advisable that we do not allow ourselves to be deterred from using these tools - despite some justified scepticism. Instead, we should embrace it and simply try things out. This is the only way to learn how to deal with AI and use it sensibly. Already today the number of AI-controlled "assistants" is increasing - I maintain that one of the most important skills in the future world of work will be to work together with such non-human colleagues.

Nevertheless, let's look at the fears associated with generative AI. One of them is that creative professions such as designer, copywriter or composer will be replaced by the increased use of AI. What is your assessment of this?
I can partly understand such fears, but in the end I believe that our human creativity will not be restricted by AI. On the contrary, I see an opportunity for it to provide us with more and more tools that free us from unpleasant routine tasks. I am already seeing this myself at the digital agency C3, whose consulting division I lead: AI is already supporting us to good effect there, for example in researching, summarising or translating texts or in image design. The results usually still have to be checked or edited by humans, but these tools save an incredible amount of time - and often also give us new ideas and can inspire our own creativity. In my opinion, it's all about what we make of it! In other words, whether we use the content that AI provides us with in a meaningful and intelligent way.

Let's talk about other potential benefits. How can AI be beneficial, for example, given the shortage of skilled labour?
That's an interesting point. Many experts hope that AI will lead to greater efficiency and massive productivity gains in many industries. I myself don't think this is unlikely, as AI is already taking a lot of work off our hands in areas such as data processing and managing logistics flows in industry. AI therefore certainly has the potential to compensate for the shortage of skilled labour and thus helps keeping companies competitive. There is even talk among experts that we will literally run out of work one day due to the increased use of AI. However, I think this scenario is unlikely - we humans will then be doing other jobs.

You also address the topic of the 4-day week in lectures and publications - and now even practise it yourself. To what extent can AI possibly also be helpful in the implementation of such new working models?

As already mentioned, in many industries AI provides us with a whole team of free assistants. This allows us to concentrate on higher-value, more demanding work. At best, on activities that give us meaning and fulfil us. In some cases, this may well go hand in hand with a reduction in working hours.

However, such a model is also frequently criticised in the public debate. Inflation, high energy prices and other general uncertainties are mentioned here. What is your view on this? And against this background, isn't the call for a 4-day week a bit bold?
The model is actually very controversial. When we talk about a 4-day week on full pay, for example, I have my doubts. After all, the productivity gains resulting from AI have not yet been so high that it would pay off for companies and employers. And, of course, I also realise that for many people, working a day less and giving up part of their salary is not an option. So, if I am in favour of such a model, I am doing so from a very privileged position. However, I have also observed that for many people who can "afford" it, it is also worth considering. It certainly involves a change of mindset: I don't always have to give it my all, I can get off the hamster wheel and take time to realise my own ideas and dreams. I think some employers should have a rethink and recognise that part-time employees can also make an important contribution and feel a sense of belonging to the company - precisely because they have time for their own things and are therefore possibly more satisfied.

The visit to EXPO REAL was one of Christian Zaum's first important appointments - and a good opportunity to determine Düsseldorf's position.

What was the deciding factor for you in favour of the 4-day week? And how are you currently implementing this as an entrepreneur and manager?
At some point in my very busy working day, I felt the need to take a deep breath, reflect and recharge my mental batteries, so to speak. I think this is particularly important in the knowledge-based industry in which I work - and it is becoming increasingly difficult at the same time. We are constantly attending meetings or making calls and are busy exchanging ideas and collaborating! At the beginning of 2023, I decided to take a day off during the week. Since then, I've been "off" on Wednesdays and can only really be reached in emergencies. Incidentally, I was far from the first person in my work environment to come up with this idea. However, I did have some doubts at first and asked myself whether it would work, especially as a manager! And my cautious answer today is: Yes, it does. I believe that if you are very transparent and confident about it - in other words, by no means defensive or bashful - then in the end the working environment, be it employees or superiors, will also understand. So, I can only encourage those who have the opportunity and resources to try it out. •

INTERVIEW ELENA WINTER
PICTURES PR, TOBIAS KRUSE, HEINRICH-BÖLL-STIFTUNG FROM BERLIN, DEUTSCHLAND - CC BY-SA 2.0, IAA NEW MOBILITY WORLD, UNSPLASHED/GOOGLE DEEPMIND

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