An AI generated image of a policy manual

I. Purpose     

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science concerned with developing software that allows computer systems to perform tasks that imitate human cognitive intelligence. AI includes Generative AI, Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Large language models (LLM).

This AI policy is of utmost importance as it establishes guidelines and best practices for the responsible and ethical use of AI at [Company Name]. It ensures that [Company Name] employees use publicly available AI systems in a manner that aligns with [Company Name]’s values and complies with legal and regulatory standards.

This policy applies to all [Company Name] employees, contractors, and third-party individuals who have access to AI technologies or are involved in using AI systems on behalf of [Company Name].

II. Generative AI

Generative AI uses generative models to create new data—such as text, images, videos, or other content. These models learn patterns and structures from their input training data and then generate novel data with similar characteristics. In recent years, improvements in transformer-based deep neural networks, especially LLMs, have led to a boom in Generative AI systems. Some notable examples include:

  1. Chatbots: ChatGPT, Copilot, Perplexity, Gemini, and LLaMA. 
  2. Text-to-image AI: Systems like Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, and DALL-E. 
  3. Text-to-video AI: Sora. 

As part of our commitment to responsible AI use, [Company Name] is experimenting with Microsoft Copilot, an AI-powered productivity tool. It integrates with Microsoft 365 Apps, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams, and combines the power of LLMs with files provided by SI, like a private cloud. 

[Company Name] is still reviewing the impact of publicly available Generative AI systems on its business operations and will update this policy as necessary as it reviews other new Generative AI systems. 

II. Use of Generative AI                                 

Before any employee utilizes a publicly available Generative AI system, the employee must verify that such use conforms to this policy.  [Company Name] employees cannot use Generative AI for any client work unless the employee confirms that the client has consented.                         

Generative AI may be used for R&D, testing, and non-firm-specific information (such as developing generic HR, accounting, or IT procedures). 

[Company Name] employees using a publicly available Generative AI system are required to:

  • Carefully review AI-generated content for accuracy. Generative AI systems are known to “hallucinate” false answers or information or provide information that is stale.
  • Treat every bit of information inputted into a Generative AI system as if it will go viral on the internet and be attributed to you or SI, regardless of the settings you have selected within the system (or the assurances made by its creators).
  • Inform your manager or other appropriate [Company Name] employee when work is created using Generative AI. Do not represent work that is AI-generated as being your own original work.

III. Prohibition on Entering Client Information into Generative AI                    

The following prohibitions apply to the use of any Generative AI system: 

  • Do not upload or input [Company Name]’s name into any Generative AI system or any information that could identify [Company Name].
  •  Do not upload or input confidential, proprietary, or sensitive [Company Name] information into any Generative AI system. Examples include passwords and other credentials, personnel material, information from documents marked Confidential, Sensitive, or Proprietary, or any other nonpublic [Company Name] information that might be useful to competitors or harmful to the [Company Name] if disclosed. This may breach [Company Name]’s obligations to keep certain information confidential and secure, risks widespread disclosure, and may cause [Company Name]’s rights to that information to be challenged.
  • Do not upload or input a client’s name, any information that could identify the client or any confidential or proprietary information into any Generative AI system. 
  • Do not upload or input information from a client or third party protected by a confidentiality agreement or court order into any Generative AI system. 
  • Do not upload or input personally identifiable information (“PII”) that directly identifies any individual, such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, likenesses, etc.

IV. Violations

Violating this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including immediate termination, and could result in legal action. If you are concerned that someone has violated this policy, report this behavior to any manager, executive officer, or any member of Human Resources.

V. Disclaimer

Nothing in this policy is designed or intended to interfere with, restrain, or prevent employee communications regarding wages, hours, or other terms and conditions of employment or any other rights protected by the National Labor Relations Act.                                 

An AI generated image of a toolbox

AI tools that can help improve a small business’s experience with AI. Here are some of them: 

  1. ChatGPT: An AI-powered chatbot [1]. 
  1. Bard: An advanced AI chatbot [1]. 
  1. Kabbage: An AI-driven lending platform [1]. 
  1. Lattice: An AI-powered performance management platform [1]. 
  1. Tara AI: A project management tool with AI features [1]. 
  1. Wordtune: An AI-powered writing assistant [1]. 
  1. Process Street: A workflow automation platform [1]. 
  1. Zoho Zia: An AI assistant for Zoho suite [1]. 
  1. Regie: An AI-powered video analytics platform [1]. 
  1. UiPath: A Robotic Process Automation software [1]. 
  1. AppZen: An AI-based expense report auditing tool [1]. 
  1. SpotIQ: An AI-driven analytics platform [1]. 
  1. HubSpot: A CRM platform with AI features [1]. 
  1. Mindsay: A customer service automation platform [1]. 
  1. Mailchimp: An email marketing platform with AI features [1]. 
  1. GrammarlyGO: An AI-powered writing assistant [1]. 
  1. Starmind: An AI platform for expertise mapping [1]. 
  1. Persado: An AI-powered language generator [1]. 
  1. Gong.io: An AI-powered sales analysis platform [1]. 
  1. EverString: An AI-powered predictive analytics platform [1]. 
  1. MonkeyLearn: A text data analysis tool [1]. 
  1. Invoca: A call tracking and analytics platform [1]. 
  1. Finmark: An AI-based financial planning tool [1]. 
  1. Zeni: An AI-powered finance manager [1]. 
  1. Chata.ai: An AI-powered data interaction tool [1]. 
  1. Hiretual: An AI-powered recruiting platform [1]. 
  1. X0PA AI: An AI-powered solution for recruitment [1]. 
  1. Harver: An AI-based pre-employment assessment software [1]. 
  1. Butterfly.ai: An AI-driven employee feedback tool [1]. 
  1. myInterview: An AI-powered recruiting assistant [1]. 
  1. Beehiive: A cloud-based CRM platform [1]. 
  1. Remini: An AI-powered photo enhancer [1]. 
  1. StarryAI: A text-to-image AI tool [1]. 
  1. Synthesia: An AI-powered video creation tool [1]. 
  1. Writesonic: A text-generating AI tool [1]. 
  1. Kapiche: A text analytics software [1]. 
  1. Optimizely: An AI-driven experimentation and personalization platform [1]. 
  1. Crisp: An AI-powered customer service platform [1]. 
  1. BirdEye: An online reputation management platform [1]. 
  1. Drift: A conversational marketing and sales platform [1]. 
  1. Taskade: A cloud-based project management tool [1]. 
  1. Network AI: An AI-powered networking tool [1]. 

These tools can help in various areas such as customer service, content production, internal communications, customer relationship management (CRM), inventory management, product recommendations, accounting, recruitment and talent sourcing, marketing and sales, and more [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]. It’s important to choose the right tools based on the specific needs and budget of the business [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]. 

Sources:  

  1. AI tools for small business productivity and growth 
  2. The 10 Best AI Tools for Small Businesses and How to Use Them 
  3. 12 Best AI Tools for Small Businesses & Startups (Free & Paid) 
  4. 25 Best Free AI Tools for Business That Truly Help Companies 
  5. AI for Small Business: 14 Tools and 7 Strategies | Birdeye 
  6. 11 AI Tools for Small Businesses (Low Cost, Big Impact!) 
            AI images of a small office in an urban area

            Small businesses are using AI in a variety of ways to improve their operations, save time, and decrease costs [1]. Here are some key areas where AI is being utilized: 

            1. Cybersecurity and Fraud Management: Over half of business owners use AI for cybersecurity and fraud management [1]. 
            2. Customer Service: Businesses are turning to AI to improve customer service. This includes the use of AI-powered chatbots for instant messaging [1]. 
            3. Content Production: One in three businesses plan to use AI to write website content, while 44% plan to use AI to write content in other languages [1]. 
            4. Internal Communications: Nearly half (46%) of business owners use AI to craft internal communications [1]. 
            5. Customer Relationship Management (CRM): AI is used in CRM to improve customer relationships [1]. 
            6. Inventory Management: AI is also used in inventory management [1]. 
            7. Product Recommendations: AI is leveraged for product recommendations [1]. 
            8. Accounting: AI is used in accounting to automate tedious work [2]. 
            9. Recruitment and Talent Sourcing: AI is used in recruitment and talent sourcing [1]. 
            10. Marketing and Sales: AI is used in marketing and sales to improve content quality and craft prospecting messages [2]. 

                              It’s important to note that while AI can bring many benefits, there are also concerns about over-dependence on technology [1]. Therefore, when choosing AI tools, businesses should consider factors such as budget, specific business needs, ease of implementation, scalability, and ability to integrate with current systems and technology [4]. 

                              Source:  

                              1. How Businesses Are Using Artificial Intelligence In 2024 
                              2. The 10 Best AI Tools for Small Businesses and How to Use Them 
                              3. How Small Businesses Can Use AI Tools – Investopedia 
                              4. Artificial Intelligence for Small Business: The Complete Guide 
                              5. AI for Small Business: 14 Tools and 7 Strategies | Birdeye