What if artificial intelligence (AI) was considered a partner in managing risk rather than a detriment? What if businesses could harness the power of AI to mitigate risk instead of distressing over its exposure? What if the emerging technology was embraced as a job creator rather than a labor disruptor?
Artificial intelligence is becoming more infused in the corporate world, and yet employers and workers alike are struggling with concerns about job displacement, data security, privacy, cyber risk and ethics.
“AI deserves more hope than trepidation,” says Andrew Zarkowsky, head of AI underwriting for middle and large business at The Hartford. “Similar to past technologies, it can lead to generational increases in productivity, and where labor conditions may be challenged, they will evolve to work alongside AI.”
Zarkowsky believes the big question is how businesses will identify and manage exposures as AI technology is adopted. It’s also critical that companies place appropriate emphasis on risk management during the development phase so the likelihood of a net positive gain will increase.
The Impact of AI on Growth
Productivity can change labor conditions and shift job functions, but new technologies like AI can spark industries that are unimaginable today. It’s important to remember that past technological cycles took 20 to 40 years to play out. While AI seems to be coming much faster, particularly when factors such as implementation, change management and overall adoption are considered, there is still an opportunity to think critically and be proactive by allowing labor to find a way forward with the new technology.
The Importance of Integrating Specialists
Employing risk professionals that have expertise in AI can help increase the chances of long-term success. And as more businesses develop, test and productionize systems, it is particularly important to have a diverse team in place. The focus should be on using risk management expertise to improve data quality, testing, warnings, checks and other processes that will eliminate risk or mitigate the exposure if something does go wrong. These risk professionals, alongside the business practitioners, IT professionals, data scientists, legal experts and compliance officers, will provide a well-rounded group of stakeholders that can help projects move forward at an appropriate pace for the given organization.
These teams can help guide businesses who seek to reduce workplace injuries with AI-enabled robots. For instance, if a warehouse operation introduces them to complete higher hazard tasks like moving heavy materials or working with toxic chemicals, specialists can assist in training employees in safety protocol, distraction prevention and even help mitigate any concerns over job security.1
It's also important to understand the liability of robot use and the availability of appropriate insurance. Users should spend time thinking about risk transfer and understanding the policy. If something goes wrong, the insurer will evaluate whether it was caused by the manufacturer’s design or if the company using the robots designed the constraints incorrectly. AI technology requires more collaboration between the creators and users than past technology innovators, which is a good thing but also makes the line of liability a bit more gray.
Approach AI With a Team Mindset
Today, more and more businesses run on technology. If that technology, including AI, fails, it can have a big impact on finances. Having an experienced team of risk specialists who understand the business and process while also understanding AI can help. Employing just one or the other won’t be sufficient.
Discover more AI insights and learn how emerging technologies are shaping risk management and business resilience.
1 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, “Robotics in the Workplace, An Overview,” viewed March 2026.
