Amid promises that AI would enhance time for creativity and strategic endeavors, a concerning trend is surfacing in workplaces: those who extensively use AI are most susceptible to burnout.
At a recent New York dinner gathering of senior HR executives, hosted by WorkLife and sponsored by BetterUp, this paradox dominated discussions. Participants spoke under Chatham House Rules, ensuring anonymity.
This article is part of a four-part series exploring the event’s topics.
HR executives presented data showing a worrisome gap between AI’s intended benefits and its actual impact on employee well-being. “Ninety percent of ‘super AI users’ report burnout,” one executive noted, referring to recent Upwork research. “Those using AI the most are also most burned out.”
The issue isn’t AI’s ineffectiveness; it’s quite effective. Yet, organizations respond in ways that compromise employee well-being.
“More productive workers are being overloaded with AI tasks,” explained a participant. “It’s a vicious cycle, leaving no room for skill development, wellness, or creativity.”
Studies confirm this trend. One executive referenced research showing even when AI saves an hour daily, workers labor longer as bosses assign more tasks.
This misalignment between AI’s promise and reality fuels burnout. “It’s supposed to save time and enhance creativity,” an HR leader noted, but the disconnect leads to anxiety. Workers grapple with unclear expectations: “If AI does my job, will my compensation change? Organizations haven’t clarified these impacts.”
A Glassdoor study found over half of workers (56%) doubt their job security with AI adoption. Other research suggests AI may erode critical thinking and interpersonal skills. Executives see AI-generated content lacking human nuance and cultural insight.
“It’s not intuitive enough to distinguish between cultures, customs, or even regional nuances,” one participant noted.
The solution isn’t abandoning AI, but using it thoughtfully. “Success comes where AI is deployed methodically and people are guided,” a participant said.
The key takeaway: “Lead with behavior, not technology. Technology should support humanity.”
As organizations invest in AI, the true challenge isn’t technological but human. The agreed consensus: companies that succeed resist burdening AI-enhanced employees and focus on fostering uniquely human skills.