Upcoming Events
Skills, Talent and Diversity updates
Sign-up to get the latest updates and opportunities from our Skills, Talent and Diversity programme.
Embracing AI: a step forward for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) can play a critical role for organisations in improving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) space. However, it’s equally important to acknowledge the dangers of AI, in terms of reinforcing existing biases and intensifying inequalities, particularly when it comes to underrepresented groups.
Organisations can advocate for the development and deployment of AI systems that are designed with fairness and inclusivity in mind, both in the workplace and beyond, helping us move towards a more inclusive future.
The challenge of bias
Bias, both conscious and unconscious, is a challenge that has plagued human decision-making processes for centuries. Identifying and reducing bias is crucial to fostering diversity and inclusion, and AI is playing a significant role in this endeavour. Machine learning algorithms can analyse vast amounts of data to identify patterns and potential sources of bias in everything, from performance evaluations to compensation structures. By highlighting these issues, AI helps organisations take proactive steps to rectify disparities and promote fairness. For instance, with the help of AI-based analytics, organisations can examine their communication patterns, performance reviews, and promotion histories to identify and address bias along the way.
However, algorithmic decision-making is only as good as the data sets it’s trained on. It’s crucial to train AI systems on diverse data sets that reflect the diversity of the population it’s meant to serve, to avoid perpetuating skewed or discriminatory outcomes. Therefore, it’s also essential to ensure that the teams developing AI systems are diverse and inclusive. Having a diverse team ensures that the technology is designed with different perspectives, experiences, and cultural backgrounds in mind, improving its fairness and promoting inclusivity.
Improving accessibility
AI is also contributing to improved accessibility. For instance, AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants can provide real-time support for employees with disabilities, ensuring they have equal access to information and assistance. This is a game-changer for fostering inclusivity in the workplace.
Transparency and accountability
AI doesn't just work behind the scenes,it can also enhance transparency and accountability. By documenting and analysing decisions made by AI systems, organisations can ensure that they align with DEI goals. This transparency fosters trust among employees and demonstrates a commitment to fair practices.
The human touch
It’s essential to remember that AI is not a substitute for human empathy and understanding, rather it is a powerful ally. The combination of AI and human insight can create a potent force for diversity and inclusion. Human judgment and guidance remain vital in interpreting AI-driven insights and making nuanced decisions.
Furthermore, AI is not a one-time solution. It's a tool that continually learns and adapts. This means that as organisations evolve, AI systems can adapt to changing norms and expectations, helping to maintain and further improve DEI efforts. Additionally, AI systems can adapt to changing norms and expectations, ensuring that they continue to support diversity and inclusion efforts effectively by incorporating inclusive product design principles.
Inclusive design of product development
Inclusive design in AI product development is essential for ensuring accessibility and that it benefits everyone. By integrating inclusive principles, organisations can create AI solutions that are representative and fair, including underrepresented groups. The product design process should consider various user perspectives and experiences throughout the developmental stages, to ensure different viewpoints are captured, especially from underrepresented groups.
Additionally, tailoring AI tools to accommodate diverse linguistic and cultural preferences can enhance user satisfaction. Prioritising inclusive design not only improves user experience but also showcases a commitment to DEI, fostering a more equitable digital environment for all users.
Summary
As we reflect on our mission to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, it's clear that AI has a significant role to play in bias mitigation and fostering a more equitable workplace. It’s therefore important that they are designed and deployed with caution and sensitivity to mitigate bias. However, we must also remember that AI is a tool in our hands, and it's our responsibility to use it wisely and ethically.
By harnessing the power of AI, while retaining our human touch we can truly move towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all employees, regardless of their background or identity.
Reach out to Omon Fagbamigbe for more information on bespoke AI solution for your organisations.
Authors
Omon Fagbamigbe
Omon has over 14 years’ experience delivering end-to-end digital transformation programmes, change management, customer experience management, data analytics, business intelligence and insights; across various industries including Government, Transport, Retail, Oil and Gas, and Public Health. Omon is passionate about data and technologies using Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality and metaverse. She has a transformational vision combined with a change-oriented attitude informed by data and enabled by technology to aid businesses in making smart and innovative decisions that offer them a competitive advantage. She is currently undertaking doctoral studies on the impact of technologies on consumer behaviour and how organizations can leverage these technologies to improve customer retention and promote customer loyalty. She has co-authored 4 publications in health data analytics.