Improper AI Adoption Is Increasing Burnout, Upwork Survey Says

AI’s impact on the workplace is more complex than anticipated, leading to increased workloads and employee burnout, according to an Upwork survey of executives and employees across four countries. The study reveals a significant disconnect between executive expectations and employee experiences when it comes to AI-driven productivity gains.

Executives optimistic about AI boosting productivity; employees struggle to realize gains: While 96% of executives expect AI to enhance worker productivity, 47% of employees using AI are unsure how to achieve the anticipated efficiency improvements, with 77% reporting decreased productivity and increased workloads due to AI tools.

• Employees cite the need to spend extra time checking AI-generated work for accuracy (39%) and learning how to use the tools (21%) as reasons for reduced productivity.
• 40% of employees feel their company is asking too much of them when it comes to AI, leading to widespread burnout (71%) and struggles to meet employer demands (65%).

Outdated work models and systems hinder AI’s potential: The survey suggests that introducing AI technologies into existing work structures is failing to unlock the full productivity value of these tools.

• Kelly Monahan, managing director of Upwork’s research institute, emphasizes the need for a fundamental shift in how talent and work are organized to simultaneously boost productivity and improve employee well-being.

Conflicting studies and opinions on AI’s impact: While the Upwork survey highlights the challenges employees face with AI tools, a Microsoft study from May found that 90% of workers believe AI saves time on the job, indicating a lack of consensus on the technology’s impact.

Broader implications and questions to consider: The Upwork survey underscores the importance of carefully integrating AI tools into the workplace, taking into account the potential for unintended consequences such as increased workloads and employee burnout. As companies continue to adopt AI technologies, they will need to reassess their work models and provide adequate support to ensure employees can effectively leverage these tools without sacrificing well-being. The conflicting findings between the Upwork and Microsoft studies also highlight the need for further research to better understand the nuanced impact of AI on productivity and worker experiences across different industries and job roles.