AI is increasing the workloads of full-time employees, according to The Upwork Research Institute. It found 77% of employees say AI has added to their workloads, and it’s hampering productivity and contributing to burnout. In addition, 47% of employees using AI say they don’t know how to achieve the expected productivity gains.
On the flip side, 96% of business leaders hope AI will boost productivity.
“Our research shows that introducing new technologies into outdated work models and systems is failing to unlock the full expected productivity value of AI,” Kelly Monahan, managing direct of The Upwork Research Institute, said in a press release.
“While it’s certainly possible for AI to simultaneously boost productivity and improve employee well-being, this outcome will require a fundamental shift in how we organize talent and work,” Monahan continued.
Other findings in the report:
- One in three employees say they will likely quit their jobs in the next six months because of burnout.
- A majority of companies, 85%, are using AI, including 39% mandating the use of AI tools and 46% encouraging their use.
- Nearly half of freelancers, 48%, say they’re “somewhat” or “highly” skilled at using AI, and 34% use AI tools at least one to two days per week.
- Over half of freelancers, 56%, say they do not experience struggles keeping pace with productivity demands of clients, as compared to just 35% of their full-time employee counterparts.
The findings are based on a survey of some 2,500 workers that took place between April 16 and May 5 among respondents in the US, the UK, Australia and Canada. The survey number included 1,250 C-suite executives, 625 full-time salaried employees and 625 freelancers. Workers were between the ages of 18 and 78 and were required to use a laptop or computer for their work at least sometimes.
“In order to reap the full productivity value of AI, leaders need to create an AI-enhanced work model,” Monahan said. “This includes leveraging alternative talent pools that are AI-ready, co-creating measure of productivity with their workforces, and developing a deep understanding of and proficiency in implementing a skills-based approach to hiring and talent development.”
Source: Staffing Industry Analysts
