AI Tools Are Increasing Workloads and Fueling Burnout, Not Saving Time, New Study Finds
Summary
A new study of over 10,000 workers reveals AI tools are dramatically increasing workloads rather than saving time, with email usage surging 104%, messaging up 145%, and deep-focus work declining, as employees suffer burnout and 'AI brain fry' from overwhelming cognitive demands.
Key Points
- A new ActivTrak report analyzing over 10,000 workers reveals that AI adoption is dramatically increasing workloads, with time spent on tasks like emailing surging by 104% and messaging climbing 145%, with no activity category showing actual time savings.
- Deep-focus work is suffering as employees juggle more AI-driven tasks, with the average uninterrupted work session shrinking by 9% and focused work hours dropping 2%, continuing a three-year downward trend.
- Workers are experiencing burnout and 'AI brain fry' as they take on heavier cognitive loads, with a Boston Consulting Group study finding that using four or more AI tools actually decreases self-reported productivity and overwhelms employees' decision-making capacity.