First contact with AI: fascination and realism

Patrick Mollet remembers the moment when he first really felt how AI was changing the world of work: Tasks that used to require a lot of mental work could suddenly be completed automatically. "I have the feeling that tasks are changing, that the composition of activities is changing, but I don't believe that jobs will be completely eliminated on a large scale." For him, one thing is certain: AI will not replace the world of work, but will fundamentally reshape it. Requirements and fields of activity are shifting - routine work is being automated, while creative, social and complex tasks are gaining in importance.

Future of Work and New Work: More than just working from home

The terms "Future of Work" and "New Work" are more than just buzzwords for Mollet. He explains that New Work primarily means rethinking working conditions and corporate culture: "It's not just about working from home, but about creating more flexible conditions that motivate employees and give them more responsibility." Managers should evolve from traditional managers to coaches who support their teams and develop individual potential. "Today, leadership means creating a framework in which employees can take responsibility and develop further."

Changing tasks: Automation of cognitive activities

Mollet emphasizes that the fear of job losses due to AI is exaggerated. Rather, the nature of the work is changing:

• It is no longer just physical activities that are being automated, but increasingly cognitive ones - such as programming or legal analysis.
• People remain indispensable for creative, social and complex tasks that require empathy and judgment.

He does not see the future in a world without work, but in a world in which the composition of activities changes and new opportunities arise.

Challenges for SMEs: skills and cultural change

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular face special challenges. Many work in the manufacturing industry and often have little technological affinity in management. In addition, there is often a lack of human resources to deal intensively with AI. Mollet recommends giving employees the freedom to try out new tools and promoting a culture of experimentation: "We all don't know exactly what's coming - which is why trial and error is all the more important." He argues that companies do not need a comprehensive AI strategy immediately, but should initially be open to experimentation and small steps.

AI tools in everyday life: efficiency and employee satisfaction

According to Mollet, AI-supported tools such as Notion AI or Fireflies AI offer great opportunities to increase productivity and boost employee satisfaction at the same time:
"When we automate tedious, repetitive tasks, it's very positive. Shorter, more efficient meetings and less monotonous tasks increase motivation." However, he warns that increases in productivity must not lead to excessive demands. He finds the discussion about the four-day week exciting, but does not see it as a universal solution: "We have to be careful that we don't burn people out. The balance between efficiency and well-being is crucial."

Leadership in transition: soft skills and coaching mindset

The role of the manager is changing fundamentally. "Managers should motivate, develop potential and not just exercise power. Soft skills and a coaching mindset are becoming increasingly important." Mollet has observed that younger managers in particular want to share responsibility and work on an equal footing with their teams. However, change is a process that takes time and a generational shift.

Transformation in Switzerland: between tradition and progress

Mollet sees very different trends in Switzerland:

• Large companies and international corporations are often more progressive and actively drive change.
• Traditional SMEs are still more cautious, but interest in new forms of work and AI-supported solutions is growing here too.

Transformation usually succeeds when the pressure is great enough - be it from the labor market, employee expectations or the desire for more meaning and motivation in work.

Personal approach to AI: openness and integration

Mollet himself uses AI tools in everyday life, albeit not excessively. "I believe that the future lies in seamlessly integrating AI into our work processes without us having to consciously operate individual tools all the time." For him, openness, a willingness to experiment and lifelong learning are the keys to making the most of the opportunities offered by AI.

Patrick Mollet makes it clear: AI is profoundly changing the world of work, but above all it is creating new opportunities. The future of work will be characterized by changing tasks, new skills and people-centric management. Those who are prepared to develop further, understand AI as a tool and promote a culture of learning and experimentation will be successful.

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About the AI Talk podcast
AI Talk is the podcast about artificial intelligence in Switzerland - with real movers and shakers, experts and decision-makers from tech, research, politics and business. Hosted by Stephan Lendi and Dalith Steiger-Gablinger, each episode of the podcast highlights new perspectives on innovation, responsibility and the concrete application of AI technologies. Whether ethics, regulation, talent development or deep tech - AI Talk combines personal insights with strategic foresight.

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