Skip to content
Generative KI in der Arbeitswelt

Generative AI in the world of work

With the release of ChatGPT, the potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has become tangible to the general public. AI-based chatbots, such as OpenAI's GPT-4, can be used in a variety of ways: they search, analyse and summarise information. They can also generate and revise ideas, text or code for us. The high technological maturity of these AI applications and their versatility make them extremely important for the world of work. In knowledge-intensive professions, generative AI promises more time for creative activities thanks to efficiency gains. On the negative side, however, its use can also lead to the devaluation of human skills or even their replacement. Questions remain about the possible new skills that workers will need when working with generative AI.

For this reason, the research project "Generative Artificial Intelligence in the World of Work" (GENKIA) is investigating the significance of generative AI for individuals, organisations and professions. Its aim is to capture the experiences of workers with generative AI and to analyse possible impacts on employment and quality of work. We will also explore the conditions under which work processes can be supported by the use of generative AI.

The project is a collaboration between the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG) and the Weizenbaum Institute. It is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS).

Research work

Generative AI will have a significant impact on knowledge work in particular. Therefore, the research project focuses on five socially relevant domains in which generative AI systems are already being applied:

  • Marketing

  • Human Resource Management

  • Programming

  • Journalism

  • Public Administration

Generative AI is often perceived as conflicting by employees. For example, ChatGPT can save research time, but it can also create additional work, such as fact-checking. The exact impact of the technology is still largely unexplored and depends on the context of its use. Therefore, in this project we investigate how and with what consequences generative AI is used, with a particular interest in its significance for knowledge-intensive and creative professions such as marketing. We also highlight the importance of organisational and institutional frameworks and develop design options for the responsible use of generative AI.

Dr. Georg von Richthofen

Transfer

We communicate the results of the project to academics, policymakers, businesses, public institutions and the general public in ways tailored to each target group. In addition to scientific formats, these include blog articles, policy dialogues and public events. The focus is on the timely transfer of initial project results into the political discourse on the design and regulation of generative AI, in close coordination with the Policy Lab Digital, Work & Society of the BMAS.

Other publications

von Richthofen, G. (2024). Zwischen Zeitersparnis und Zusatzaufwand: Generative KI in der Arbeitswelt. Digital society blog. Publication details

Köhne, S., v. Richthofen, G., Send, H., & Buß, N. (2024). Empowering workers with data. Digital Society Blog. Publication details

Lectures and presentations

Wer steuert hier wen? Generative KI in der Personalarbeit
Wer steuert hier wen? Generative KI in der Personalarbeit. Plattform Lernende Systeme. online, Berlin, Germany: 21.03.2025

Sonja Köhne

Generative KI und Kreative Arbeit: Perspektiven aus der Werbeindustrie
Generative KI und Kreative Arbeit: Perspektiven aus der Werbeindustrie. Institute of Electronic Business, Universität der Künste. online, Berlin, Germany: 19.03.2025

Georg von Richthofen

Auswirkung von Künstlicher Intelligenz auf die Arbeitswelt
Künstliche Intelligenz und Arbeitsrecht im Spannungsfeld. Hugo Sinzheimer Institut für Arbeits- und Sozialrecht (HSI), Frankfurt am Main, Germany: 30.01.2025

Sonja Köhne

Unraveling data analytics in human resource management: A paradox perspective
13th Biennial International Conference of the Dutch HRM Network. Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands: 08.11.2024 Further information

Sonja Köhne

Oh mein Bot: Künstliche Intelligenz in Verwaltung und Unternehmen
Digitaltag der Industrie- und Handelskammer. IHK Berlin. Data Space, Berlin, Germany: 10.10.2024

Sonja Köhne

Who is creative, now? Generative AI in Advertising
Netnography Conference - Netnocon 2024. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy: 29.05.2024 Further information

Georg von Richthofen

Oh mein Bot: Generative KI aus Perspektive der Beschäftigten
re:publica24. STATION Berlin, Berlin, Germany: 27.05.2024 Further information

Georg von Richthofen, Sonja Köhne

Panels

K.I. – Die letzte Revolution in der Arbeitswelt?
Engineering- und IT-Tagung 2024. Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge Hannover, Hannover, Germany: 13.09.2024 Further information

Sonja Köhne

Finanzierung

 Duration: 01.04.2024 bis 30.09.2026
 Funding: German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs

CONTACT

Georg von Richthofen, Dr.

Senior Researcher & Project Lead: Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Society

Open Call

Open Call: Practice partners sought for generative AI case studies in marketing and human resources

Are you already using AI in your organisation for HR or marketing? Then be part of the research and take part in our case study!

PART OF THE RESEARCH GROUP

Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Society

Our research team aims to research, inform and co-create digital entrepreneurship and innovation in a globally interconnected society.

Explore current HIIG Activities

Man sieht einen leeren Büroraum ohne Möbel und braunen Teppichboden. Das Bild steht sinnbildlich für die Frage, wie die Arbeit der Zukunft und digitales Organisieren und Zukunft unseren Arbeitsplatz beeinflusst. You see an empty office room without furniture and brown carpeting. The image is emblematic of the question of how the work of the future and digital organising and the future will influence our workplace.

Digital future of the workplace

How will AI and digitalisation change the future of the workplace? We assess their impact, and the opportunities and risks for the future of work.