While artificial intelligence has been pitched as something that improves our lives and work, a new study has found that employees think it’s actually creating more work.
According to a new study from Upwork, 77% of employees feel that AI tools have only added to their workload, despite upper management feeling that they will help increase productivity.
One reason workers say AI is causing more work for them in their day-to-day lives is because of the knowledge they have to obtain to use the new tech. In total, 23% said they were investing more time to learn how to use the latest tools.
However, the problems with AI go beyond just the upfront difficulties of learning how to use the tech, as around 39% of workers said they spent more time reviewing and moderating the content being completed by AI.
Kelly Monahan, managing director of The Upwork Research Institute, shared in a statement that one of the major failures with AI is how it’s being implemented.
“Our research shows that introducing new technologies into outdated work models and systems is failing to unlock the full expected productivity value of AI,” Monahan wrote.
The survey also found that AI has created higher efficiency expectations for workers, with 47% reporting feelings of being overwhelmed because they don’t know how they’re supposed to achieve the productivity gains their bosses expect.
Overall, 21% said they were asked to do more as a direct result of the work that was being completed by AI, and the work is causing high amounts of burnout.
The study highlights that the push to AI is causing 71% of full-time staffers to feel burnt out, with 65% struggling to meet productivity demands.
Another 40% said they believe their companies are asking too much of them when it comes to AI and its abilities.
Now, due to the added work and stress, one in three full-time workers say they will likely end up quitting their jobs in the next six months.
Executives are being left with a decision, but they are at least aware that the problem is there, with around 81% of C-suite leaders acknowledging that workers are facing increased demands. In order for them to fully utilize the AI-led efficiency gains that the tech can bring, Monahan says that something needs to happen.
“While it’s certainly possible for AI to simultaneously boost productivity and improve employee well-being, this outcome will require a fundamental shift in how we organize talent and work,” Monahan said.