The dual-edged sword of AI in the workplace: Enhancing efficiency at the cost of burnout and isolation

Keywords: mental health, burnout, loneliness, AI, productivity, leadership

Date: 06 August 2024, WorkLife Digital

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a ubiquitous part of modern workplaces, offering the promise of increased efficiency, optimised productivity, and freedom from mundane tasks. However, recent studies reveal a more nuanced reality, highlighting significant challenges such as increased workloads, employee burnout, and social isolation. Understanding these issues is critical for organisations seeking to leverage AI effectively while maintaining the well-being of their workforce.

Increased workloads and burnout

A global study conducted in partnership with The Upwork Research Institute interviewed 2,500 global C-suite executives, full-time employees, and freelancers, uncovering a significant gap between expectations and reality. While 96% of C-suite executives anticipated AI to boost productivity, 77% of employees reported that AI had added to their workload, hampering productivity and contributing to burnout. The study also revealed that nearly half (47%) of employees using AI were unsure how to achieve the productivity gains expected by their employers, and 40% felt their company was demanding too much of them regarding AI usage .

The increased workload and unrealistic productivity demands are taking a toll on employees. About one-third of full-time employees reported that they were likely to quit their jobs within six months due to feeling overworked and burnt out. Moreover, 71% of full-time employees experienced burnout, and 65% struggled to meet their employer’s productivity expectations. This situation underscores the need for organisations to re-evaluate their approach to AI implementation to prevent exacerbating employee stress and turnover .

AI-Induced isolation and its consequences

The integration of AI in the workplace also affects employees' social connectedness and overall well-being. A series of studies published in Harvard Business Review examined the social impact of AI on employees, revealing concerning trends. Employees working extensively with AI reported feeling isolated from their colleagues, leading to increased loneliness, higher alcohol consumption, and insomnia. These findings suggest that while AI can enhance task efficiency, it may inadvertently reduce the quality of interpersonal interactions at work, which are crucial for maintaining employee morale and mental health .

For instance, a study involving 166 engineers at a Taiwanese biomedical company found that those who interacted more with AI displayed a stronger desire to connect with others, yet also experienced greater feelings of loneliness. This paradoxical situation highlights the need for organisations to balance AI integration with efforts to maintain human connections in the workplace .

Mitigating the negative impacts of AI

To address these challenges, organisations must adopt a more holistic approach to AI integration, focusing not only on productivity but also on employee well-being and social cohesion. Here are some key strategies that companies can implement:

Monitor Well-being: Regularly track metrics such as employee wellbeing and engagement, job satisfaction, and perceived social support, alongside traditional performance indicators. This can help organisations identify and address well-being issues before they escalate .
Redesign Workflows: Instead of simply adding AI to existing processes, redesign workflows to leverage the strengths of both humans and machines. This can enhance employees' sense of autonomy, control, and purpose, which are vital for mental health.
Invest in Training and Support: Provide targeted training to help employees effectively use AI tools and integrate them into their workflows. Focus groups and feedback sessions can identify specific barriers and training needs, ensuring that employees feel supported rather than overwhelmed by new technologies .
Encourage Human Interaction: Foster a workplace culture that values social interaction. Create opportunities for employees to connect face-to-face through team-building activities, social events, or casual coffee chats. This can help mitigate feelings of isolation and promote a sense of community .

While AI has huge potential in the workplace it also poses significant risks to employee well-being and social connectedness. Organisations must recognise these challenges and adopt strategies that balance technological advancements with the human need for connection and support. By doing so, they can create a work environment where AI and human capabilities complement each other, leading to sustainable productivity gains and a healthier, more engaged workforce.

WorkLife Digital is a global mental-wellbeing consultancy driven by the mission to improve the sustainability of businesses. Our psychological wellbeing tool, Worklife Quotient (WL-Q), is modelled on cutting-edge scientific research and provides organisation-wide measurement and intelligence on the mental wellbeing levels and psychological resilience of staff. WL-Q also assesses the impact of organisational practices (i.e. people and culture, leadership styles, organisational purpose and values, social impact) that have a direct influence on staff wellbeing and provides strategic recommendations on addressing risks and promoting strengths.

For more information, get in touch at lisa@worklife.digital

REFERENCES

Robinson, B. (2024). 77% Of Employees Report AI Has Increased Workloads And Hampered Productivity, Study Finds. Forbes. Retrieved from Forbes

Research: Using AI at Work Makes Us Lonelier and Less Healthy. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from Harvard Business Review