Newsroom
Artificial intelligence was meant to make working from home easier. Now it may become the reason younger employees are asked to return to the office.
Some of Britain’s largest consulting firms are considering bringing junior staff in more often as AI takes over tasks such as research, checking data, and preparing first drafts, according to the Financial Times.
The problem is that while AI can handle more of the paperwork, it cannot teach someone how to deal with a difficult client, explain an idea clearly, or notice when a meeting is going badly.
Company bosses say young workers normally learn these skills by watching experienced colleagues, joining meetings, and talking about what happened afterward. That is much harder when everyone is working from home.
EY’s UK consulting chief said remote work had left less time for teaching skills such as communication, empathy, and leadership. However, EY has not announced any formal change to its flexible-working policy.
Other firms are also trying to get younger employees together more often. KPMG is increasing face-to-face training, while Boston Consulting Group is organizing office activities, including chess and sports clubs.
The discussion is relevant to Cyprus, where EY has large offices in Nicosia and Limassol and thousands of people work in accounting, consulting, banking, and corporate services.
