The AI Paradox: More Work, Less Joy

AI's Contribution to Worker Burnout

Let me start with some context, which can also serve as evidence it’s a real person writing these, not just a fancy AI bot.

Due to some recent disruptions, I’m shaking up my normal routine. I’ll be shifting the release schedule of my audio/video dialogues with a guest to every other week until things settle back down, which would normally leave a gap in my writing. However, I happen to also do an audio/video Weekly Update, which you might not have even known about if you only read my Substack. This update is my personal rundown and reflections on some of the most significant happenings at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience. You can check out the latest on YouTube here or as a podcast here.

This shift and my enjoyment of writing have created a new opportunity. I’ll be taking what would have otherwise been an off week of writing to reflect more deeply on one element from the Weekly Update. This is the first of those deeper reflections. There you go. Context set.

So, I recently came across a study from Upwork that was originally intended to examine the impact of AI on how work happens. As it turns out, an unexpected finding was whether AI was making employees happier and more productive. Wager any bets on the result?

Let’s just say the check came back with an “insufficient funds” error. Instead of lightening the load, AI is piling on more work and ultimately contributing to disengagement and burnout. In the video, I dig deeper into the report details and some of the underlying issues it doesn’t address. However, here’s a summary of my three biggest reflections.

Top Takeaways

"AI isn’t a magic wand. Without a clear strategy, it’s just another source of confusion for employees."

There's a persistent and dangerous belief that simply implementing AI will somehow lead to automatic productivity boosts. Unfortunately, the study highlights this couldn’t be further from the truth. Tragically, only 13% of the organizations surveyed had any semblance of a strategy for AI integration. That means the vast majority are navigating this new terrain without a map. The way things are operating today, most leaders are expecting their teams to perform miracles with AI without providing them with a plan. It's no surprise employees are feeling even more overwhelmed than before. We must understand that AI is nothing more than a tool, and like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how well it's used. Absent clear direction, AI will never deliver on any of its potential. And, it will take everyone down with it. We have to do better.

"Handing someone a powerful tool, even with direction, without training is setting them up for failure. We need to invest in skill development if we want real results."

Another glaring issue is the severe lack of training provided to employees on how to properly use AI. Only 25% of organizations offer any formal training, leaving a staggering 75% of workers to fend for themselves. Unaddressed, this gap in knowledge and skills will be a critical barrier to the long and short-term success of AI in the workplace. While a handful of employees may ultimately figure it out, that’s a horrifically inefficient strategy for success. I don’t know a person who would take their vehicle to a mechanic who was “figuring things out,” so why is that acceptable with employees? As leaders, we have to prioritize training and skill development. It's not enough to just introduce AI and set a course; we need to ensure every member of our teams can leverage it effectively.

"In the end, it’s not the work we do or the stuff we aquire that matters, but the people around us. Remembering this can help us keep our priorities in check."

Yes, work is an integral and substantial part of our lives. However, it's easy to get overinvested and let it consume us. While work is important, it’s not everything. I’ve seen firsthand how getting this backward leads to burnout, stress, broken relationships, and more. I am constantly reminded that our time here is limited despite the great lengths we go to to ignore that reality. Growing up in a funeral home, I never saw people standing around talking about the projects someone worked on or the career milestones they achieved. With the study showing 71% of employees experiencing burnout, it’s a clear indicator we’re pushing too hard and focused on the wrong things. If we’re not careful, our relentless drive to achieve more, compounded by AI, will lead to disaster. So, let’s take a step back and ensure we’re not sacrificing everything for something that won’t matter in the end. After all, your work won’t be there when you’re dead, but the impact you made on others will endure.

Concluding Thoughts

As you reflect on your relationship with AI, where do you sit? Is AI freeing up more of your time to focus on the things that matter, or is it doing the opposite?

If you’re a leader reading this, don’t forget it’s your responsibility to guide your teams through these transitions. They need you for support, clarity, and vision, so make time to develop a clear strategy for how you’ll use AI, invest in training, and, most importantly, manage your expectations and timelines realistically.

For those feeling the pressure and burnout, you’re not alone. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed. However, you can’t stay there. While work is a significant part of our lives, it should never come at the expense of our health and happiness.

The data is clear, we have a lot of room for improvement when it comes to leveraging technology to enhance our lives rather than add to our burdens. So let’s work on ways to be intentional with AI, ensuring it serves us and not the other way around.

And with that, I’ll see you on the other side.