HBR: Should you use AI in your business writing?

The rapid advancement of generative AI tools like ChatGPT has created both opportunities and challenges for business professionals seeking to enhance their writing productivity and efficiency.

The productivity promise: Experimental studies demonstrate significant potential benefits from incorporating AI into writing workflows, with one study showing professionals becoming 50% faster while improving output quality.

• Business professionals currently spend approximately two-thirds of their workday on writing-related tasks, including email, text messaging, note-taking, and document preparation
• The time-saving potential of AI writing assistance could help address widespread issues of workplace overload and burnout

Key considerations and risks: While AI writing tools offer compelling advantages, several important factors must be carefully weighed before implementation.

• AI usage may dilute or eliminate an individual’s unique writing voice and personal style
• The technology can introduce factual errors or inaccuracies that damage professional credibility
• Ethical concerns arise around transparency and authenticity in AI-assisted communication

Best practices for AI implementation: A balanced approach focusing on AI as an assistant rather than a replacement can help maximize benefits while minimizing risks.

• Use AI tools to summarize and organize existing ideas rather than generating complete content
• Limit AI drafting to smaller, challenging passages instead of entire documents
• Leverage AI for feedback and suggestions while maintaining human oversight and final editorial control

Strategic applications: Understanding where AI can add the most value helps optimize its use in professional writing contexts.

• Email composition and routine business communications may benefit from AI assistance with tone and clarity
• Complex documents can utilize AI for initial outlining and structure
• Technical writing can leverage AI for simplifying complex concepts while ensuring accuracy

Future outlook: As AI writing capabilities continue to evolve, finding the right balance between human creativity and machine efficiency will become increasingly important for maintaining professional authenticity while capturing productivity gains. Success will likely depend on developing thoughtful frameworks for AI integration that preserve individual voice while leveraging technological advantages.