AI Tools in the Workplace: Boon or Burnout?

Let’s talk about a topic that’s been making headlines recently – AI tools in the workplace. The idea sounds brilliant: AI can help us complete tasks faster, streamline our workflows, and maybe even free up some time for a leisurely coffee break. But in practice, it seems the reality is a little different, and not quite as rosy.

Anurag Garg, founder of Everest PR, was thrilled to introduce the AI language tool ChatGPT in his firm. He hoped it would help his team of 11 to keep up with competitors. The tool was designed to aid with a lengthy list of everyday tasks like generating story ideas, drafting pitches, and transcribing notes. But instead of boosting productivity, stress and tension became the order of the day.

To Garg’s surprise, his team reported that their tasks were taking longer. Why? They were spending extra time prepping the AI tool, double-checking its output for errors, and trying to keep up with its constant updates. “The team complained that their tasks were taking twice the amount of time because we were now expecting them to use AI tools,” Garg said. The promise of AI simplifying workflow had backfired, leading to more work and increased stress levels.

And it wasn’t just Garg’s team. Research corroborates this experience. A survey by freelancer platform Upwork showed that 77% of employees felt AI tools had decreased their productivity and added to their workload. An alarming 61% of people believed that using AI at work would increase their chances of experiencing burnout – this figure rose to 87% among individuals under 25, according to a study by Resume Now.

The solution? Garg dialed back on the mandate to use AI for all tasks. Now, his team uses it mostly for research, and they’re much happier. They’re more connected and involved in their work, and the stress levels have dropped significantly.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Alicia Navarro, founder and chief executive of Flown, believes AI can be a big help for small firms if used correctly. She agrees that there’s an “avalanche” of AI tools but argues that these can empower startups to do more with less.

So, what’s the takeaway from this? AI tools certainly have their place in the modern workplace, but it’s crucial to use them wisely. They’re not a one-size-fits-all solution, and their effectiveness will depend on the specific needs and workflows of a business. The aim should always be to enhance productivity and employee satisfaction, not to contribute to burnout and stress. It’s a balance that we’re all still figuring out, but with careful planning and evaluation, we can make AI a friend, not a foe, in the workplace.

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