The Impact of AI on Work Burnout: A Double-Edged Sword

The introduction of AI tools in the workplace has sparked a debate about their effects on productivity and employee well-being. While many business leaders see potential for increased efficiency, numerous employees report heightened stress and burnout.

Case Study: Everest PR

Anurag Garg, the founder of Everest PR, faced this dilemma firsthand. Eager to enhance productivity, he encouraged his team of 11 to integrate ChatGPT and other AI tools into their daily tasks, including generating story ideas and transcribing notes. However, instead of streamlining workflows, the effort led to increased tension among staff.

“There were too many distractions. The team complained that their tasks were taking twice the amount of time because we were now expecting them to use AI tools,” Garg noted.

The burden of creating detailed prompts and verifying the AI’s output added complexity to their responsibilities, ultimately resulting in burnout rather than relief. As Garg further explained, the influx of AI tools became overwhelming:

“There’s an overflow of AI tools in the market… I started getting utterly frustrated. The constant learning curve to stay relevant was leading to burnout.”

After realizing the stress these tools caused, Garg reverted to more traditional methods of task management, using AI primarily for research. This shift fostered a more manageable workload and improved employee morale.

Widespread Employee Concerns

Garg’s experience mirrors findings from a recent Upwork survey of 2,500 knowledge workers across the US, UK, Australia, and Canada. Despite 96% of executives believing AI will boost productivity, 77% of employees reported that AI tools have actually diminished their productivity and increased their workload. Additionally, 61% of respondents felt that using AI at work could elevate their chances of burnout, a sentiment echoed by 87% of workers under 25.

Moreover, a study from Asana highlighted the impact of using multiple work-related applications, revealing that:

• 15% of workers using 6-15 apps miss important messages due to the volume of tools.
• 23% of those using 16 or more apps feel less efficient and struggle with diminished attention spans.

The Burden of Increased Workload

Leah Steele, a coach for legal professionals, emphasizes that the pressure to accomplish more with fewer resources can exacerbate feelings of burnout. After implementing a new technology platform in a previous role, Steele’s own caseload skyrocketed from 50 to 250, illustrating the relentless pace at which professionals must now operate.

“Everything’s moving so quickly… it’s a constant battle to keep on top of things,” Steele explained.

She points out that burnout isn’t solely about the volume of work but also about how individuals perceive their roles. Many feel trapped in high-pressure environments, longing for the personal interactions they initially sought in their careers.

The Legal Sector’s Struggle with AI

The Law Society of England and Wales has acknowledged the challenges faced by lawyers due to AI’s integration. Richard Atkinson, the society’s president, stated:

“While AI can make legal work more efficient… it can also create more work for lawyers, not less.”

The learning curve associated with new technologies often requires additional training, adding to the existing workload instead of alleviating it.

Potential Benefits for Smaller Firms

Despite the challenges, some industry leaders see potential in AI. Alicia Navarro, founder of the online platform Flown, recognizes the abundance of AI tools but emphasizes the need for proper utilization. For small firms, she argues, AI can empower teams to achieve more with limited resources:

“It’s an incredibly empowering thing for start-ups to be able to do a lot more…”

Conclusion

The introduction of AI in the workplace is a double-edged sword. While the potential for increased productivity exists, the accompanying stress and demands may lead to burnout among employees. As organizations navigate this evolving landscape, finding a balance between harnessing AI’s capabilities and supporting employee well-being will be essential to foster a healthier work environment.