AI in the workplace: Workers fear burnout but embrace potential
Survey found that men are more concerned than women that AI could increase their levels of burnout (67% of men vs. 55% of women).
Workers have mixed feelings about the future of artificial intelligence in the workplace, expressing fear that it will negatively affect their mental health while also being excited about its potential.
“No technology — not even the proliferation of the smartphone — has caused a disruption like the one AI is poised to create,” said Heather O’Neill, a career expert at Resume Now. “AI has already begun to change the way people across industries do their work, and our research shows that workers have some serious concerns about the impact this technology will have on their work lives, personal lives and mental health.”
The State of AI in the Workplace Report from the career and resume service found that nearly two-thirds of workers have at least some fear about AI technology, with a similar percentage saying they are somewhat or very afraid of losing their jobs because of AI.
Many worker attitudes vary by demographic group:
- Although research shows that women experience burnout at a higher rate than men overall, the survey found that men are more concerned than women that AI could increase their levels of burnout (67% of men vs. 55% of women).
- The younger the worker, the more concerned they are about AI’s potential to increase burnout. Eighty-seven percent of workers who are 25 or younger believe it will increase burnout, compared to 73% of people aged 26 to 40 and 47% of those 41 or older.
- Workers aged 41 and older have the most concerns about the impact AI will have on their work-life balance, with more than half saying they believe it will have a negative effect. The younger the worker, the less likely they are to feel this way, with only 34% of workers aged 26 to 40 and 29% of workers aged 25 or younger worried about AI having a negative impact on work-life balance.
- Men have higher hopes for AI’s impact on their work-life balance than women. Most men (61%) believe it will have a positive effect, compared to only 46% of women.
Related: Report: AI driving major changes in benefits experience
However, despite concerns about AI’s impact on work-life balance and the potential for burnout, many workers are open to incorporating AI in their workflow and have high hopes for how it ultimately will affect their experience. Overall, 78% say they feel somewhat or very positive about using AI for work purposes, and 62% of people believe AI technology will have a positive impact on the workplace. Only 3% reported feeling negatively about the use of AI at work.
Employers can play a critical role in addressing worker concerns so they can experience the positive benefits of AI.
“Employers must take swift action through training and education to soothe those fears and create a harmonious workplace,” O’Neill said. “If employers don’t execute this transition well, there will be a major upheaval in the workforce.”