Many people thought artificial intelligence would make their jobs easier. But a new survey suggests otherwise: For many workers, AI is increasing their workload.
According to a survey conducted by YouGov of around 2,000 adults in the UK, one in four employees say that tools like ChatGPT have added pressure at work and caused bosses to expect more from them.
The survey, commissioned by technology insurance company YuLife, shows that artificial intelligence is changing the way office professions work, but not necessarily in the way many people had anticipated.
Experts warn that this situation can lead to excessive fatigue and “burnout.” The reason is that, while employees are able to complete tasks faster with the help of AI, the time saved is often filled with new tasks.
Fears about jobs also remain high. A third of respondents admitted they have concerns that technology could make them redundant in the next five years.
However, for those already using AI tools, the results show a different reality:
23 percent said their workload has increased;
26 percent said they feel more pressure at work.
Furthermore, even though higher productivity is increasing companies' profits, about 35 percent of employees believe that these benefits will not be invested in their well-being or professional development.
Dr. Fabian Stephany of the University of Oxford, who studies the impact of artificial intelligence on the job market, said this situation is somewhat ironic. According to him, the workload tends to increase precisely because humans are able to complete tasks faster with the help of AI.
Even career coach Kelly Swingler, who often works with people experiencing professional burnout, says she has noticed a trend where the use of AI is creating more jobs.
“At first everyone thought AI would make work easier, but for many people the opposite is happening,” she says. “Suddenly you’re expected to be more productive, to respond faster, and to always be available.”
Another study from the University of California, Berkeley, which analyzed how AI is changing work habits at an American technology company, reached similar conclusions. The researchers found that employees are working longer and with greater intensity.
This is because, when tasks become easier or are performed by AI, employees often fill their time with new projects and take on broader responsibilities that they could previously delegate or outsource.
Tal Gilbert, CEO of YuLife, says we are in the midst of a major shift in the way people work.
“AI has great potential to transform work,” he said. “But we may be seeing the beginning of a productivity paradox: tools that are intended to save time may end up increasing pressure.”
According to him, the challenge for employers is to use artificial intelligence to increase productivity without harming the health and motivation of employees. /GazetaExpress/
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