Clarity

Workloads and scenarios

Identifying typical workloads and their associated scenarios can help you work out how Copilot can have the most significant impact. For example, some workloads and scenarios apply broadly. Communication is a good example of a workload that applies to most knowledge workers. Copilot can assist in email management by summarizing long threads and generating draft responses. This can make communications more efficient and effective, thanks to the ability to specify the appropriate tone and language.

Say your usual email communication style is abrupt and straight to the point. Copilot can help you adapt your tone and soften your message while maintaining professional communication etiquette. Meeting preparation is another typical workload that Copilot can help with by compiling and summarizing relevant documents and even setting agendas, allowing knowledge workers to focus on strategic thinking rather than administrative details.

Then, there are workloads that will be specific to industry sectors. For example, in healthcare, Copilot can summarize patient data, draft clinical notes, and analyze research findings, enhancing patient care and operational efficiency. In a legal context, Copilot can review contracts, draft legal documents, and stay updated on regulatory changes, reducing time spent on routine tasks and focusing more on client advocacy.

Start with high-value workloads

Organizations should identify their top three time-consuming tasks across priority functions and explore how Copilot can eliminate at least two. Each department will have a different view on which scenarios would deliver the most value, so it’s a good idea to run this process within teams to get the most impactful ideas. Extending the legal example, one firm in the UK crafted a lengthy and detailed Copilot prompt that, once rolled out for use in document analysis across the firm, significantly reduced the time spent on legal matters. This prompt offered tremendous value to the organization in terms of accuracy and time saved.

Productivity is often the first area in which Copilot can deliver significant impact. Even your most productive employees have a more extensive to-do list than time in the day, so using Copilot with existing processes creates efficiency and allows people to get stuff done in less time. But the real value creation happens when that time saved on automating repetitive tasks is reinvested in more strategic and value-added activities.

Even if that reinvestment looks like enabling people to leave work on time, enhancing morale, and improving overall job satisfaction, it may be difficult to put a dollar value on improved employee morale. However, it’s worth collecting quantitative feedback from staff about what extra time means to them as you factor in the value Copilot is adding to your organization. Copilot contributes to a more engaged and motivated workforce by freeing up time for more meaningful tasks.