ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Artificial intelligence (AI) has been impacting how we work for a while, but the onslaught of generative AI, especially over the last six months, has shown the technology will either help, hinder or reorient how we work, or all the above, reports The Wall Street Journal. The Journal spoke with multiple experts in computer science, human resources, recruiting, corporate leadership, psychology and more on how work and AI will collide or collaborate. Here’s what some of them said.

“Generative AI brings a new dynamic: Primarily, it supports knowledge work by providing the ability to create first drafts of documents, emails, presentations, images, video, product designs, etc. So, knowledge workers might spend more time editing than creating, particularly as generative AI is embedded into all the software products they use today.” —Michael Chui, partner, McKinsey Global Institute

“Right now, most organizations have entry-level people who perform routine tasks, midlevel individuals who supervise them and high-level employees who set the direction of the organization. That organizational structure will no longer be necessary. AI can automate many of the tasks performed by entry-level workers.” —Darrell West, senior fellow, governance studies, Brookings Institution

“Traditionally, teammates establish emotional bonds, show concern for each other’s goals and call out their colleagues for transgressions. But these social checks on ethical behavior weaken when people interact indirectly through virtual assistants. Instead, interactions become more transactional and self-interested.” —Jonathan Gratch, professor of computer science, University of Southern California

“We’re moving from task-oriented AI to goal-oriented AI, and enterprises are looking to leverage it safely, securely and ethically.” —Allie K. Miller, AI entrepreneur, adviser and investor

“AI-powered ‘concierge’ systems will reduce or eliminate the frustrating search for answers that many employees endure today when seeking services from their employer. These systems will help employees make the most of their benefits, stay compliant with policies or simply find out information about their colleagues, organization structure or customers that can sometimes be difficult to unearth in large organizations.” —Joe Atkinson, U.S. chief products and technology officer, PwC

Earlier this month, Wendy’s announced it was exploring AI to take drive-thru orders. CKE, the company behind Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, is expanding its use of the technology to take orders.

While AI is increasingly in the news now, in January 2022 NACS Magazine looked at how retailers can tap into the benefits of AI in the cover story, “Welcome to an Intelligent 2022.”