This article was written by Victoria Huang, CPA, Senior Managel at Segal GSCE, LLP. It is excerpted from the quarterly Canadian news bulletin, a publication produced by the Canadian member firms of the Moore North America network. Discussing the integration of artificial intelligence in the workplace, this article aligns perfectly with our commitment to being your partner of choice for your success by keeping you informed of important developments in Canadian news.
Have you ever faced a complex issue at work and struggled to know where to begin your research, or even how to explain the problem clearly in an email? Traditionally, we’d seek guidance from a more experienced colleague or turn to Google, sifting through countless links to find answers. But for many new graduates entering the workforce, the first instinct is no longer to ask a manager or browse the web – instead, they open that certain webpage or App and start “ChatGPT-ing”.
Since its public launch in 2022, ChatGPT has revolutionized how people interact with AI. Unlike task-specific tools like Siri or Grammarly, ChatGPT can reason, create, and converse in a natural, human-like way. It’s not just a search engine; it’s a writing assistant, a brainstorming partner, and a productivity booster.
Instead of typing keywords into a search bar, users can ask ChatGPT questions as they would a friend. The AI responds with structured, friendly answers, thanks to a process called tokenization, generating language one token at a time. Beyond answering questions, ChatGPT can draft emails, memos, and reports from scratch. For those who struggle with writing or want to save time, it’s a game-changer. A simple prompt like “Help me edit this” or “Need to ask client about outstanding invoice” can yield a polished, professional message in seconds.
ChatGPT also helps improve clarity and structure in longer texts. Whether you’re writinga report or a memo, it can provide a solid first draft that’s easy to refine. This efficiency isespecially valuable in fast-paced work environments.
However, despite its impressive capabilities, ChatGPT has limitations. It’s important to remember that it’s still a program, not a source of truth. Sometimes, it may provide citations or links that don’t exist, because it doesn’t truly understand or verify information. It generates responses based on patterns in data, which means it can sound convincing even when it’s wrong. Fact-checking is essential.
Additionally, the way you phrase a question can affect the response. Slight changes in wording may lead to different answers, some more accurate than others. This variability underscores the need for human judgment and further research when necessary.
Overreliance on ChatGPT can also impact our own writing skills. In the workplace, how we write reflects our communication style and personality. While ChatGPT can produce well-written emails, they may lack emotional nuance or feel overly formal. Recipients might notice a shift in tone or find the message robotic compared to previous correspondence.
As AI tools continue to evolve, more platforms are entering the market, and their integration into daily work seems inevitable. Used wisely, they can enhance productivity and efficiency. But they should complement – not replace – human insight. To succeed in today’s workplace, we must stay informed about these tools, learn to use them effectively, and remain aware of their limitations.
If you have any questions about the use of AI in the workplace, whether regarding confidentiality or the various tools at our disposal, please do not hesitate to contact us.
