It’s Tuesday, and you're leading a virtual team meeting, with colleagues from Tokyo, Mumbai, and São Paulo. You are all speaking in different languages, but there’s no problem understanding each other, thanks to the AI-powered real-time translation feature subtly woven into your earbuds. No awkward pauses, no misunderstandings, just a fluid conversation that transcends linguistic barriers.

It might sound like a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie, but it’s closer to reality than you think. In fact, video conference tools like MS Teams, Google Meet and Zoom have begun incorporating AI-powered real-time translation features for limited language users. Right now, it’s not yet as smooth as it ought to be but give it time and it may very well solve language barriers in a global workplace with a more contextual AI language solution.

Advancements in natural language processing and machine learning are rapidly improving the capabilities of AI translation. With the exponential growth of data and computing power, we can expect to see even more sophisticated translation tools in the near future, capable of capturing the subtleties of language and delivering translations that are both accurate and contextually relevant.

Imagine a world where language is no longer a hindrance to collaboration, where teams across the globe can brainstorm, innovate, and solve problems together without the friction of miscommunication. This not only fosters inclusivity and diversity but also opens up access to a wider talent pool, enabling companies to tap into the best minds regardless of their geographical location or native language.

The best part is this: live translation is just one way AI can transform how we communicate at work. So, what else can AI do in matters of communication? More importantly, what else can it do for businesses?

Read More: The real value of relationships in hybrid

How AI is transforming workplace communication

While real-time translation is undoubtedly a game-changer, AI’s influence on workplace communication extends far beyond breaking down language barriers. In fact, AI is being leveraged across a wide range of communication tools and platforms to streamline workflows, boost productivity, and enhance collaboration.

Email optimisation. AI-powered tools are helping professionals manage their overflowing inboxes more efficiently. These tools can prioritise emails based on importance, suggest concise replies, and even detect the tone and sentiment of messages, ensuring that your communication is clear and professional. According to a 2023 report by McKinsey, AI-powered email tools have the potential to save knowledge workers an average of 6 weeks per year.

Meeting summarisation. Forget about spending hours transcribing meeting notes. AI-powered meeting assistants can now automatically generate summaries, highlight key takeaways, and even assign action items to participants. This not only saves time but also ensures that everyone is on the same page after a meeting. And you don’t only get a text summary of the meeting. There’s a chance in the future of a multimedia summary or even an AI avatar giving you a detailed brief of what you need to know from the meeting.

Sentiment analysis. AI can now analyse the tone and sentiment of written and spoken communication, providing valuable insights into employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and potential conflicts. This allows managers to proactively address issues and foster a more positive and productive work environment. A 2022 study by Deloitte found that companies using AI for sentiment analysis saw a 10-20% improvement in employee engagement (Source: Deloitte).

Personalised communication. AI is enabling a more personalised and targeted approach to communication. By analysing data on individual preferences, communication styles, and past interactions, AI can help tailor messages for maximum impact. This could involve suggesting the best time to send an email, crafting subject lines that resonate with specific recipients, or even providing personalised coaching on communication skills.

As AI technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative and impactful applications emerge, further revolutionising the way we connect, collaborate, and achieve our goals in the workplace.

Read More: How jargon leaves people feeling 'out of the loop'

AI for insights and foresight

Businesses generate vast amounts of communication data every day. Data can come from emails, chat messages, video calls, social media interactions, and more. This holds a treasure trove of insights into employee engagement, collaboration patterns, customer sentiment, and overall organisational health. However, manually analysing this data is a Herculean task, often leaving valuable information buried and untapped.

This is where AI steps in, offering powerful tools to extract meaningful insights from the deluge of communication data. By leveraging machine learning and natural language processing, AI can identify patterns, trends, and anomalies that would be impossible for humans to detect at scale.

AI can analyse communication patterns, such as the frequency and tone of interactions, to gauge employee engagement levels. This can help identify teams or individuals who may be feeling disconnected or disengaged, allowing managers to intervene and provide support before issues escalate.

It can also track the impact of communication campaigns, such as email open rates, click-through rates, and social media engagement. This allows organisations to measure the effectiveness of their communication strategies and make data-driven adjustments to improve their reach and impact.

By analysing the flow of information across teams and departments, AI can also pinpoint communication bottlenecks and areas where information sharing is inefficient. This enables organisations to streamline their communication processes and ensure that everyone has the information they need to do their jobs effectively.

AI can also be used to identify potential conflict or misunderstanding before it escalates. By analysing sentiment and tone in communication, AI can flag conversations that may be heading in a negative direction, allowing managers to intervene and mediate before issues arise.

AI and the promise of a more connected workplace

AI is undeniably transforming the way we communicate at work, from breaking down language barriers to providing data-driven insights and personalising interactions. While the technology is still evolving, its potential to revolutionise workplace communication is undeniable. As AI continues to advance, we can expect even more sophisticated and impactful applications to emerge, further blurring the lines between human and machine communication.

The future of work is one where AI is seamlessly integrated into our communication tools and processes, empowering us to connect, collaborate, and innovate in ways we never thought possible. The benefits are clear: increased efficiency, improved engagement, enhanced collaboration, and access to a global talent pool. However, as we embrace this new era of AI-powered communication, it is crucial to address ethical considerations and ensure that AI is used responsibly and transparently.

The companies that will thrive in the future are those that embrace AI not just as a tool for automation, but as a strategic partner in fostering a more connected, engaged, and productive workforce. By harnessing the power of AI, we can create workplaces where communication flows seamlessly, ideas are shared freely, and every individual feels heard and understood.