Companies that have started using AI tools vs. those that haven't—where will the difference be in two years?

"Isn't AI something only big companies use?"
"I feel like it has nothing to do with us, so we haven't tried anything yet."
"I'm interested, but I don't know where to start."

We often hear these comments from managers and staff at small and medium-sized enterprises.

However, a quiet but certain change is currently taking place in the business world.
A gap is gradually widening between companies that have incorporated AI tools into their daily operations and those that have not.

That difference is not immediately visible right now.
However, two years from now, when you look back, there is a strong possibility you will feel, "I wish I had started back then."
In this article, we will specifically break down where that difference will appear.

1. A difference in "work time"

Companies using AI

By delegating tasks such as creating meeting minutes, drafting emails, preparing document outlines, and organizing data to AI, an increasing number of companies are saving 30 minutes to an hour of work time per person every day.

When added up, that is 10 to 20 hours a month. 120 to 240 hours a year. For a company with 10 employees, that is a difference of 1,200 to 2,400 hours annually.

Companies not using AI

They continue to perform the same tasks, taking the same amount of time. If the workload increases, they have no choice but to hire more people or rely on overtime.

2. A difference in "quality and speed of output"

Companies using AI

By utilizing AI for writing tasks such as proposals, project plans, sales emails, and social media posts, they can produce more refined output in less time than before. The state of "not knowing what to write" is reduced, and they can focus on the work of finalizing based on a draft.

Companies not using AI

Every time they write something, they have to think from scratch, which takes time. Quality depends on the skills of the individual in charge, and the quality of output is more likely to drop when they are busy.

3. A difference in "individual employee responsiveness"

Companies using AI

In situations where they wonder, "How should I handle this?", they can consult AI and make decisions after organizing the options. Even without specialized knowledge, they can utilize AI as support in a wide range of situations, such as checking contracts, understanding basic legal knowledge, and brainstorming ideas for business improvement.

Companies not using AI

When they don't know something, they have no choice but to look it up or ask someone who is knowledgeable. Responses continue to depend on the skills and experience of the person in charge, making it easier for tasks to become siloed.

4. Differences will emerge in "recruitment and talent retention"

Companies using AI

The impression of being a "company that actively utilizes AI tools" is attractive, especially to younger job seekers. An image of having an "environment where one can work efficiently" and being a "company forward-thinking about new things" leads to differentiation in recruitment.

Companies not using AI

It becomes easy to be perceived as having "many analog tasks still remaining" or "inefficient work processes still in place." Top talent tends to place importance on the advancement of their working environment.

5. Three AI tools you can start using today

For those wondering "where should I start?", here are three tools that small and medium-sized enterprises can use immediately.

🟦 ChatGPT

A representative AI tool that can be used for a wide range of tasks, including writing, brainstorming, organizing information, and drafting emails. The free plan has sufficient features, making it the best place to start.

🟩 Microsoft Copilot

If your company already uses Microsoft 365, such as Word, Excel, or Outlook, you may be able to start using it without additional implementation. A key feature is the low barrier to entry, as you can use AI within the tools you already use daily.

🟧 NotebookLM

An AI tool provided by Google that allows you to upload internal documents, manuals, and meeting minutes to ask questions. It is extremely convenient for quickly checking "what was written in that document." It is free to use.

Summary: Waiting until you are "fully prepared" to start is too late

You do not need to understand AI tools perfectly before you start using them.
Taking a small first step by "trying just one thing" will lead to a significant difference in two years.

Start today by having ChatGPT draft one business email for you.
The realization that "it's this useful" will generate your next step.

📖 Recommended reading

💬 Contact us here

At IT Work Lab, we provide support for small and medium-sized enterprises with

• AI tool selection and implementation support

• IT utilization consulting for operational efficiency

• AI tool utilization training for employees

and other related support.
Even if you are at the stage where you 'don't know where to start,' please feel free to consult with us.