AI Efficiency Gains May Increase Employee Workloads, Research Finds

New research from O.C. Tanner raises concerns about how organizations are leveraging the efficiency gains provided by artificial intelligence (AI). While AI tools can save employees time, the study reveals that in many workplaces, this saved time is quickly absorbed by new tasks, potentially leading to employee overload.

The O.C. Tanner global culture research, surveying over 25,000 employees across 23 countries, suggests that leaders need to focus on protecting employee capacity. The findings highlight that employees' ability to perform at their best should not be compromised by the addition of new work.

"One of the risks with AI is that every efficiency gain can start to look like unused capacity," stated Dr. Alex Lovell, vice president of the O.C. Tanner Institute. "Before we add more work, we should seek to understand what it takes to deliver on the expectations we’ve already set. If someone is already stretched, that extra hour saved can help them manage and better deliver on their existing commitments."

The research proposes that leaders should proactively assess employee workloads before individuals reach their breaking point. When an employee is at full capacity, considerations should include re-scoping tasks, adjusting priorities, or providing additional support. O.C. Tanner identifies protecting capacity as a key component of organizational compassion.