Employee Burnout and AI: How Technology Can Increase Stress Instead of Easing It
In today’s fast-paced digital environment, AI in the workplace was initially viewed as a solution to tedious tasks, a means of increasing efficiency and improving work-life balance. But recent trends reveal an unexpected side effect: instead of easing workloads, AI is adding stress and contributing to employee burnout. While tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Zapier can automate certain tasks, they also demand a constant learning curve, additional oversight, and even emotional strain as employees strive to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies.
Why AI Tools Often Increase Burnout
Burnout is more than just exhaustion; it’s a state of chronic stress that can lead to physical and mental fatigue, anxiety, and reduced productivity. According to a recent survey, 61% of employees say that AI in the workplace has increased their chances of experiencing burnout. Instead of enjoying the promised simplicity of AI, workers are navigating a more complex, tool-heavy environment that requires constant attention and adjustment.
At Everest PR, founder Anurag Garg introduced AI tools with the hope that they would boost productivity. However, as employees soon discovered, AI in the workplace brought new stressors. The team had to spend extra time refining prompts, overseeing AI outputs, and double-checking information for accuracy. Instead of taking less time, tasks often took longer, piling on additional responsibilities that increased stress.
The Overload of Multitasking with AI Tools
The introduction of AI in the workplace often means using multiple tools in conjunction, creating a multitasking environment that can be mentally exhausting. Many companies rely on a mix of tools to cover various tasks—from project management and research to customer service. However, this app overload can lead to attention fatigue as employees switch between platforms, ultimately affecting their focus and productivity.
A recent study highlighted this phenomenon, showing that employees using six or more applications during the workday miss important messages and notifications due to app overload. For those managing 16 or more tools, attention spans dropped, leading to feelings of inefficiency. When these tools include AI, the workload increases as employees need to learn, prompt, and monitor each tool, heightening stress and contributing to burnout.
The Emotional Toll of AI and Constant Change
Another factor leading to burnout is the rapid pace of change in AI in the workplace. With frequent updates and new features, workers often struggle to keep up with the latest advancements. Garg noticed this at Everest PR, where his team felt frustrated by the “upgrade treadmill,” a cycle of continuously learning new AI tools only to have new ones emerge. This learning curve left employees feeling unsupported, overwhelmed, and, in many cases, inadequate.
In many cases, the constant introduction of AI tools can also create feelings of job insecurity. Employees may worry that they will be replaced by AI, leading to a sense of anxiety and a need to overcompensate. This can result in additional stress, as employees feel they must prove their worth alongside AI’s capabilities, which only compounds the burnout effect.
Why AI Training and Support Are Essential for Employee Well-being
One of the most effective ways to reduce burnout related to AI in the workplace is through comprehensive training and support. A 2023 survey of knowledge workers found that 47% of employees felt unprepared to meet the productivity demands brought on by AI technology. This sense of inadequacy is amplified in environments where training is limited, as employees must then learn on their own, increasing frustration and stress.
Providing structured, ongoing training sessions for employees can help alleviate this stress. When employees understand how to use AI tools effectively, they can achieve the benefits without the pitfalls, leading to greater confidence and less burnout. Additionally, regular feedback sessions allow employees to share challenges they are facing, creating a supportive environment where managers can address concerns and improve the implementation of AI in the workplace.
Simplifying AI: Choosing Quality Over Quantity
Another critical approach to reducing burnout is adopting fewer, more focused AI tools rather than overwhelming teams with multiple applications. When Garg reassessed his strategy at Everest PR, he found that using a limited number of AI tools for specific tasks—such as research—significantly improved team morale. This simplification reduced cognitive overload, as employees no longer had to juggle various AI applications.
Focusing on just a few core tools also helps teams engage in what productivity experts call “deep work.” Deep work involves engaging in focused, undistracted tasks that allow for higher cognitive performance. By removing unnecessary AI tools, companies can allow employees to concentrate on core tasks, reducing distraction and improving the quality of work.
The Future of AI and Employee Mental Health
The role of AI in the workplace will only continue to grow, making it essential for companies to consider employee mental health as they expand their use of technology. Leaders need to balance the benefits of AI with the risks of employee burnout, creating policies that support sustainable productivity.
Some experts recommend that companies view AI as a complement to human labor rather than a replacement. By designing roles where AI takes on specific tasks while humans handle others, businesses can create a balanced workflow that prevents employee burnout. This approach preserves the benefits of AI while recognizing the critical importance of employee well-being.
Finding the Right Balance with AI Tools
As the Everest PR experience demonstrates, the decision to scale back on AI in the workplace can improve morale and productivity. When companies limit their AI usage to strategic applications that genuinely save time and reduce burdens, they can create a healthier environment where employees thrive. Emphasizing the importance of support, training, and balance will ensure that AI serves its intended purpose: to make work easier, not harder.
In conclusion, AI in the workplace has the potential to reshape modern work, but only if it is implemented thoughtfully. Companies must recognize the emotional and cognitive demands AI places on employees and actively seek solutions to support them. By addressing these issues, businesses can unlock the true benefits of AI, helping employees feel empowered rather than burned out.