A study conducted by two researchers from the University of Berkeley, Professor Aruna Ranganathan and doctoral student Xingqi Maggie Ye, highlights the unexpected consequences of adopting artificial intelligence (AI) on employees in a tech company. Over the course of eight months, they observed 200 employees and concluded that AI, far from facilitating their work, leads to additional burdens, an overload of tasks, and a blurring of the boundaries between work and rest.
The negative impacts of AI on daily work
The study revealed that AI tools, although promoted as solutions to increase efficiency, actually create a surplus among employees. Indeed, when using these tools, collaborators do not benefit from free time to rest or focus on other tasks; on the contrary, this freed time is reinvested in tasks that were previously assigned to other colleagues or even to external contractors.
Developers and engineers, for example, found themselves re-reading and correcting errors for colleagues who had used AI tools to generate code. This phenomenon shows that AI does not relieve employees of certain burdens, but rather expands their responsibilities, which can quickly become overwhelming.
AI and the blurring of boundaries between work and rest
Another concerning aspect of this study is how AI disrupts employees’ moments of respite. The ease of use of AI tools has led some employees to encroach on their breaks to complete tasks that could otherwise wait. Reports of employees making a “last little request” before leaving their desk to ensure that systems continue to function highlight this trend. Thus, the management of time and breaks becomes increasingly vague.
The effects of multitasking on concentration
At the same time, this widespread use of AI fosters a culture of multitasking. Many employees juggle multiple tasks while simultaneously managing AI tools. This mode of operation inevitably leads to a decrease in concentration and creates a feeling of stress and mental overload, with employees constantly feeling like they are “juggling” their responsibilities.
Long-term consequences: fatigue and burnout
In the long term, this increased pressure on employees can turn into real fatigue, as well as burnout, with a growing sense that disconnection becomes increasingly difficult. The rising demands for speed and responsiveness in organizations reinforce this risk, which can lead to problems such as turnover or other harmful consequences for employees’ psychological balance.
Recommendations for better integrating AI in the workplace
To counter these detrimental effects, the researchers propose several solutions for companies. They advise establishing mandatory breaks before making important decisions and structuring work to allow for beneficial human interactions. By sequencing tasks and prioritizing missions, companies can create a healthier work environment, preserving employee well-being in the face of rising AI.
In short, the reality surrounding the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace deserves thorough reflection, not only to maximize its benefits but also to prevent the risks associated with its abusive use.
