AI could reshape workplace communication, reducing 'corporate ick'

Jabra, a manufacturer of audio equipment, suggests that the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace could fundamentally alter how employees communicate. The company posits that adopting spoken language through AI interfaces could diminish formality and the "corporate ick"—a term describing a younger generation's aversion to performative professionalism.

Calum MacDougall, president of Jabra's enterprise division, draws a parallel between current input devices like keyboards and technology from the 19th century. He believes AI offers a more natural communication method, akin to human conversation. Speaking is faster than typing, allowing for richer context delivery in less time, potentially fostering creativity by enabling quicker idea generation and sharing without the self-editing often associated with writing.

Research supports the notion that verbalizing thoughts can increase idea volume and divergence, particularly in early development stages. A 2024 IBM study indicated that conversational AI interfaces can enhance workplace creativity, suggesting that the space between human and AI interaction is where creativity emerges. This approach allows for brainstorming and idea generation to be separated from formal presentation.

While technology can streamline communication, its adoption necessitates cultural change. Established norms of formal written communication may present obstacles. Furthermore, privacy and thought ownership concerns arise when employees vocalize thoughts to corporate AI systems. Despite technological advancements, workplace culture must be prepared to embrace these new interaction methods.

The future is likely to feature a multimodal workplace, where keyboards remain but spoken interaction with AI becomes more common. This could offer employees greater flexibility and autonomy in how they conduct their work.