AI at Work: Navigating the Path to Productivity Without Burnout

The results of Resume Now’s State of AI in the Workplace report reveal that a swell of AI use in the workplace could be careening workers toward widespread burnout.

The survey of 1,150 Americans found that 61% believe AI at work will increase burnout. This fear is not surprising when the results are closely examined.

AI-related burnout includes the stress and exhaustion workers feel when required to use AI for daily tasks and, in some cases, to upskill. Despite AI’s potential to simplify tasks and increase efficiency, workers are nervous. But why would a tool that should make work life easier have workers feeling so uneasy? 

Several potential issues contribute to this fear. With companies using AI to boost productivity, workers worry about the need to learn a brand-new technology and the associated skills and processes while continuing to manage an already busy schedule. 

Tied to that are worries about heightened—and possibly unrealistic—expectations about performance and substantial changes to day-to-day job functions as a result. These fears are well founded, considering the enthusiasm many companies have expressed about AI’s ability to improve productivity and speed of output.

Whether any or all of these scenarios workers fear will come to pass remains to be seen. But fear of the unknown adds stress, particularly when tied to income. Employers must acknowledge that AI will bring one of the most significant changes the workforce has ever seen and it’s critical to not only effectively communicate throughout these changes but to soothe frayed nerves and encourage acceptance of this seachange.

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To ease the transition, employers must make clear that AI integration is designed to enhance the work of humans—not replace them. Employers should emphasize that using AI to handle repetitive or mundane tasks will allow teams to focus on higher-level functions, specifically those that require creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Driving this message home could help empower workers who are nervous about the technology.

Next, workers will need training on how to use AI to accomplish their specific tasks. For some, this training will focus on how to craft effective commands. For others, more basic computer literacy training may be required. It will be different for every worker’s specific role.

Employers should create training programs specific to an employee's (or a team’s) tasks to show workers exactly what AI can do to help them perform their roles more effectively. Further, creating an AI support team that can field questions about AI use in the workplace will help workers feel more comfortable using the technology in a real-world context. 

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The good news for employers is that fears related to AI are commingled with a strong level of excitement about AI’s potential. The survey found that 62% of people believe that AI technology will positively impact the workplace and 78% say they feel somewhat or very positive about using AI for work purposes.

The ability for workers to see that big picture—that AI technology will ultimately be a positive addition to their work lives—is great news for employers, whose job now is to make the transition as painless and anxiety-free as possible for their workers.