Using too much artificial intelligence in the workplace can make employees lonely and nervous, research shows. And this despite the fact that AI allowed them to do their work much faster.
The increasing automation in the workplace through the use of artificial intelligence can make employees lonely and nervous in the Harvard Business Review published investigation shows. This effect occurs shortly after the introduction of automation.
Employees therefore suffered from deep sadness and isolation when AI took over routine tasks at work. And this despite the fact that their use of AI enabled them to work much more efficiently.
Lonely due to AI at work
“Interacting with the AI made them more efficient and empowered them to do much more work,” the post said. However, at the same time, employees felt lonely and isolated from colleagues. This was the result of the evaluation of various studies.
The time spent together with colleagues is lost due to the optimization of work. For example, problems are no longer analyzed together, but by AI assistants.
But although the use of AI can increase productivity, companies should not lose sight of “their most important asset”. A primary focus on technology can have numerous negative consequences: “a reduction in job satisfaction, motivation and psychological well-being”.
Companies must not neglect their human capital
In the past, companies have made “great efforts” to promote the physical and mental well-being of their employees. This must also happen when using AI.
If you want to make AI adoption projects successful and viable, you need to focus on people first and AI second.
Because AI tools are “everyday, interchangeable and imitable”. Using them results in “no strategic advantage” for a company compared to its competitors.
Companies can only achieve a sustainable competitive advantage if they also take care of their human resources. AI must “flow into the work equation” so that employees are not demotivated and demoralized by its use.
New workflows can help
According to the report, if companies use AI tools, they should also monitor the well-being of their employees. Redesigned workflows can help employees focus on more strategic tasks – those that AI cannot take on.
Instead of simply layering AI on top of existing processes, companies need to redesign their workflows to take advantage of the unique strengths of people and machines.
The goal of using artificial intelligence should be to enrich people’s work. Companies could support the social and emotional needs of employees with the help of AI tools.
The aim should be to promote a culture where social interaction is valued and encouraged and is not seen as a distraction from ‘real work’.
Although AI can take on more tasks, more space must be created for employees for personal exchange.
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The article Using AI at work can make you lonely and nervous by Maria Gramsch first appeared on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.