A transformative shift in workplace communication is on the horizon, as a new study from the London School of Economics and Jabra forecasts that voice-based AI will become the dominant interface by 2028. For the emerging Generation Alpha, those born after 2010, the traditional keyboard may become obsolete, replaced by a workflow where spoken commands and dictation lead, with typing relegated to an editing role. This development signals a fundamental change in how productivity tools are used, reflecting a more natural, conversational approach to interaction with technology.

The report illustrates that 14% of knowledge workers already favor speaking to generative AI over typing, surpassing the early adoption phase, and trust in AI rises by 33% when commands are spoken rather than typed. Paul Sephton, Jabra’s global head of brand communications, explained this trend to Fortune, noting that the first draft of many work outputs will be spoken, enhancing creativity and enabling spontaneous idea generation. This voice-first approach is particularly advantageous for multitaskers and working parents, allowing hands-free operation and increased flexibility in managing tasks.

Nevertheless, some experts advise caution in embracing a purely voice-driven workplace. Fabrice Cavarretta, a management professor at ESSEC Business School, contends that while vocal input might dominate, it will not replace written communication entirely. Voice messages have limitations such as reduced skim-ability, difficulties with keyword search, and challenges in archiving and processing. Bertrand Audrin from EHL Hospitality Business School adds that without transcription, voice notes can undermine accountability and create problems in environments that prioritize clear, traceable decision-making. Moreover, converting speech into polished text remains imperfect, particularly for non-native speakers or informal speech patterns, necessitating significant editing.

This nuanced view suggests that although the keyboard’s role might diminish, it will persist as a vital tool for refining and formalizing communication. The future workplace will likely blend voice input with AI-powered transcription, harnessing speech to draft and keyboards or other interfaces to polish and organise the work product. Industry data indicate companies must prepare for this transition by addressing technical and cultural gaps to ensure smooth adoption, balancing the promise of voice AI with the practical needs for clarity, accountability, and searchability.

The shift towards voice interfaces is part of a broader wave of AI integration into daily work. Emerging technologies such as Meizu's StarV Snap AI glasses, featuring advanced chips and built-in assistants, portend a more immersive, voice-centric interaction paradigm. Additionally, the changing dynamics of AI search engines, which reportedly now favour lower-traffic websites in some cases, underscore the accelerating evolution of information and communication technologies that will shape work environments in the near future.

In sum, while speaking to machines is set to become the predominant way of interfacing with AI, the enduring importance of written communication and the challenges of implementing voice-first solutions temper expectations. The keyboard is unlikely to disappear abruptly but will evolve in tandem with voice and AI tools, reflecting a hybrid future where speaking and writing co-exist to enhance productivity and creativity.

📌 Reference Map:

  • [1] (GizmoChina) - Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2, Paragraph 4, Paragraph 6
  • [2] (GlobeNewswire) - Paragraph 2
  • [3] (Jabra) - Paragraph 2, Paragraph 5
  • [4] (Today in Business) - Paragraph 2
  • [5] (SahmCapital) - Paragraph 2
  • [6] (NewsMinimalist) - Paragraph 2
  • [7] (GizmoChina) - Paragraph 1, Paragraph 6

Source: Noah Wire Services