"A manager at a large consulting firm describes his experience this way: "AI is my fastest teammate and my worst boss. It can execute anything I ask. But it has no wisdom about what is worth asking." He's required to use AI tools with little guidance, no clear expectations, and no organization."
"A 2025 report from the Upwork Research Institute showed that the most productive AI users were significantly more likely to report burnout and disengagement—and nearly twice as likely to say they were considering quitting."
"When one tech company introduced AI tools (without mandating their use), employees worked faster, longer hours, and took on broader scopes of responsibility. What looked like productivity gains also created scope creep, 'work slop' that increased cognitive load, constant pressure to produce more, and reduced recovery time."
Burnout is often addressed through efficiency and recovery strategies, but hope is crucial for alleviating chronic stress. AI can reduce friction and enhance feelings of capability. While AI users report productivity gains, they also experience increased stress and burnout. A study revealed that productive AI users are more likely to consider quitting. The introduction of AI tools led to longer hours and greater responsibilities, resulting in cognitive overload and reduced recovery time, complicating the distinction between genuine performance and unsustainable intensity.
Read at Psychology Today
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