Lattice CEO Sees AI Flattening Workplace Hierarchies

Sarah Franklin, the CEO of Lattice, an AI-powered HR platform, recently discussed the impact of AI on the future of work. Franklin, who joined Lattice 18 months ago after a 16-year stint at Salesforce, highlighted how AI is flattening the knowledge hierarchy in the workplace. She noted that the traditional pyramid structure of the workforce, where employees start at the bottom and work their way up, is being disrupted by AI. According to Franklin, AI has made it possible for everyone, regardless of their position, to have access to the same level of knowledge. This shift is forcing leaders to adapt to new tools and reimagine various aspects of their business, including job descriptions and business models.

Franklin's comments come at a time when the impact of AI on the job market is a hot topic. While some experts predict that AI could eliminate half of entry-level white-collar jobs within five years, others are focusing on how AI will affect higher-level positions. Franklin believes that AI will not only change the way work is done but also the way leaders and employees interact. She envisions a future where AI agents work side by side with human leaders, providing insights and removing blinders that might otherwise limit understanding. For instance, AI can help leaders see beyond surface-level performance metrics, such as whether a salesperson met their quota, and delve deeper into the behaviors and contributions that led to that outcome.

Franklin's views are supported by a recent survey, which found that 89% of CEOs are exploring, piloting, or implementing agentic AI at their companies. This indicates a growing recognition among business leaders of the potential benefits of AI in the workplace. However, Franklin's introduction of employee records for "digital workers" or AI agents faced backlash, with critics arguing that it was disrespectful to human employees. Despite this setback, Franklin remains convinced that AI will play a crucial role in the future of work, helping leaders make more informed decisions and fostering a more collaborative work environment.