In the past year, we’ve seen the world shift into the era of AI—and now, leaders and everyday people are trying to understand the ROI of AI.

I think it’s pretty simple: When you and your employees can get the same things done with less time and energy, you have more capacity.

Think of new ideas and develop insights

Instead of complaining about having to spend hours on a time sucking report, we can now spin it up in half the time and use the remaining time to analyze the data and develop competitive insights and recommendations that move our teams and companies forward.

Try out new strategies and solutions

Instead of being stuck with the status quo, we become more imaginative and innovative. We experiment and make new discoveries faster. This is where our competitive edge appears—when everyone in the company (especially frontline workers) is moving quicker and smarter, not just the top dogs calling the shots.

Enhance work life balance and prevent burnout

Instead of working overtime to meet deadlines, we work under-time to exceed timelines. Now we have time to mentor and support others, join communities and make new connections—while being there for our families and friends. We get the rest we need without feeling guilty and we show up at work with more energy to slay the day. We prevent burnout and the aftermath that comes with recovering from said burnout.

Focus on more impactful and rewarding work

Instead of getting sucked into boring, repetitive tasks that make us question our career paths and existence… we get to work on more exciting, meaningful challenges that keep us engaged. We start feeling more fulfilled about what we do. We no longer look at our jobs as “just a job” but an opportunity to get real sh*t done.

Invest in personal and professional development

Instead of struggling to prioritize the never-ending list of work deliverables, we now have time to pause and reflect on our strengths/opportunities. We can invest energy into becoming better versions of ourselves. We become more well rounded individuals that contribute higher value to society.

The ROI of AI

Through AI and automation, I’ve been able to save myself hundreds (if not thousands) of manual hours in both my personal and work life. Time that I’ve been able to re-dedicate to pursuing my passion around career development, making memories with family and friends, and getting enough sleep.

Instead of fearing AI or questioning its ROI, it’s more important to understand how it actually works.

Because when we understand how something works, we start to see how it can help us. We then find and create opportunities to make our lives easier, faster, and better.

And isn’t that the point?