In recent years, AI in the workplace has been promoted as a game-changer, promising to streamline processes and increase productivity. However, as companies adopt AI tools with enthusiasm, many employees are finding that these tools add complexity rather than simplicity to their work. A case in point is Anurag Garg, founder of Everest PR, who implemented AI technology like ChatGPT into his agency. Initially, he hoped this move would keep his company competitive and efficient. Yet, the result was a surprising one: AI in the workplace actually increased stress, taking a toll on his team’s well-being and productivity.

The Promise of AI: Efficiency and Innovation

At its core, AI in the workplace was designed to ease human workloads by automating repetitive tasks. From drafting emails and generating client pitches to compiling research, AI has proven its ability to perform many time-consuming tasks faster than humans can. These capabilities fuel a broader vision that AI in the workplace could allow employees to focus on higher-value tasks while machines handle the mundane. For business leaders like Garg, this vision was enticing; who wouldn’t want to enhance output with cutting-edge technology?

But as organizations implement AI tools, many are encountering the opposite of these promised benefits. Studies show that nearly 77% of employees report that AI tools have made work more difficult rather than easier. While senior executives continue to see AI in the workplace as a productivity booster, the reality for employees looks far different.

The Unexpected Consequence: Stress and Complexity

Garg's team experienced firsthand how AI in the workplace can lead to stress rather than streamlined efficiency. For example, using AI required employees to prepare detailed prompts to achieve relevant outputs, check for accuracy, and often make adjustments manually. This meant that instead of simplifying their jobs, AI in the workplace added steps, prolonging tasks and disrupting workflow. Additionally, Garg noted the never-ending learning curve as his team adjusted to each update and new feature rolled out for the various tools they were using.

As Garg and his team soon realized, AI in the workplace can add layers of complexity. Even when AI helps to automate some steps, the need for continuous supervision, updates, and error-checking creates additional work. The added cognitive load can leave employees feeling overburdened rather than empowered, as they now have to balance their traditional responsibilities with the demands of AI oversight.

The Statistics Behind AI’s Mixed Impact

A recent survey of 2,500 knowledge workers found that while 96% of executives anticipate AI will increase productivity, 47% of employees report feeling overwhelmed. This gap in perception between senior leaders and their teams highlights an essential question for businesses: Is AI in the workplace truly making work easier, or is it creating a new set of challenges?

Furthermore, 61% of survey respondents shared that they fear AI may contribute to burnout. This fear is particularly prevalent among younger workers under 25, with 87% saying that constant exposure to AI-driven productivity expectations raises their chances of burnout. Instead of offering relief, AI in the workplace has generated a new breed of stress that companies may not be adequately prepared to address.

Navigating AI’s Paradox: Balancing Tools and Well-being

So, how can organizations like Garg’s navigate the paradox of AI in the workplace? One key solution lies in selective adoption. Rather than overwhelming teams with multiple tools, focusing on a few well-integrated AI systems can prevent the “app overload” that leads to task-switching fatigue. Garg’s decision to scale back and use AI primarily for research is a prime example of how simplifying AI usage can restore balance.

Another solution involves providing robust support for employees learning to use AI. Many employees report that AI in the workplace would be easier if they received more training and guidance from managers. Continuous support can help ensure that employees don’t feel isolated and overburdened by the demands of AI-driven tasks.

Emphasizing “Deep Work” in an AI Environment

For employees to truly benefit from AI in the workplace, companies need to recognize the importance of “deep work.” Deep work refers to the practice of engaging in focused, uninterrupted work on cognitively demanding tasks. By allowing employees time for deep work, rather than rushing between apps and AI tools, companies can counteract the distractions that AI sometimes brings. In the case of Everest PR, taking a step back from certain AI applications allowed team members to reconnect with the core tasks of their roles, ultimately improving job satisfaction.

The Future of AI and Human-Centric Workplaces

While AI in the workplace is here to stay, companies must find a balance between utilizing AI and preserving a human-centered approach. For many businesses, this will mean reevaluating which tasks genuinely benefit from AI and which are better suited to human skill. Striking this balance can help companies avoid burnout, maintain morale, and ensure that AI delivers its full promise.

Conclusion

AI in the workplace presents a double-edged sword: it holds the potential for significant gains, but only if applied wisely. Business leaders should consider the mental and emotional impacts of adopting AI on their workforce and prioritize strategies that help employees feel supported. With a thoughtful approach, AI in the workplace can indeed fulfill its promise of productivity while keeping the human element at the forefront of business success