Microsoft's Copilot allows users to attend three meetings simultaneously, but critics argue it fails to address the fundamental issue: People despise meetings.
Money | June 23, 2024, 11:33 a.m.
Microsoft launched Copilot, an AI productivity tool intended to increase efficiency by eliminating tedious tasks. However, a controversial ad showcasing a user attending three meetings simultaneously has sparked skepticism among office workers. Concerns arose about the practicality and impact of AI stand-ins in meetings on burnout and overwork.
While Copilot aims to streamline communication by summarizing missed meetings 4x faster, critics question its contribution to the epidemic of unproductive meetings. The proliferation of meetings has led to frustration among employees, with many resorting to unrelated tasks during virtual meetings.
Tech companies like Zoom are exploring AI avatars, or "digital twins," to replace employees in meetings, further complicating workplace dynamics. Jeanine Turner, a management professor, emphasizes the importance of addressing root issues rather than relying on AI band-aids. While tools like Copilot offer potential benefits, they require intentional and strategic implementation to avoid exacerbating workplace challenges.