Despite significant investment in artificial intelligence (AI) by employers, the technology is increasing the workload for many full-time employees, reducing productivity and contributing to burnout in the process, according to a recent study from The Upwork Research Institute.
The study reveals a disconnect between the expectations of C-suite executives and the experiences of employees. While 96% of C-suite leaders believe AI will enhance productivity, 77% of employees report that AI has added to their workload. Moreover, nearly half (47%) of employees using AI admit they do not know how to achieve the productivity gains expected by their employers.
“Our research shows that introducing new technologies into outdated work models and systems is failing to unlock the full expected productivity value of AI,” said Kelly Monahan, managing director of The Upwork Research Institute. “While it’s certainly possible for AI to simultaneously boost productivity and improve employee well-being, this outcome will require a fundamental shift in how we organize talent and work.”
Key findings
The study sheds light on several critical areas:
- Increased workload and burnout: 81% of global C-suite leaders acknowledge they have increased demands on their workers over the past year. Consequently, 71% of full-time employees are experiencing burnout, and 65% struggle with their employer’s productivity demands. Alarmingly, one in three employees say they will likely quit their jobs within the next six months due to being overworked.
- Productivity paradox: While 96% of C-suite leaders expect AI to boost overall productivity, 77% of employees report that AI tools have made their jobs harder. Employees cite increased time spent reviewing AI-generated content (39%), learning to use AI tools (23%), and handling additional work due to AI (21%).
- Unclear path to productivity: Nearly half (47%) of employees using AI tools feel they have no clear direction on how to meet their employers’ productivity expectations. Furthermore, 40% believe their company is asking too much when it comes to AI.
Freelancers’ edge with AI?
The study also found that freelancers are adapting better to AI than full-time employees. Nearly half (48%) of freelancers consider themselves skilled in using AI, and over a third (34%) use AI tools regularly. More than half (56%) of freelancers do not struggle with productivity demands, compared to 35% of full-time employees.
C-suite leaders who leverage freelance talent report significant benefits, including doubled organizational agility (45%), quality of work (40%), and innovation (39%). They also note improvements in well-being and engagement among full-time employees due to the integration of freelance talent.
Monahan underscores the importance of evolving work models: “In order to reap the full productivity value of AI, leaders need to create an AI-enhanced work model. This includes leveraging alternative talent pools that are AI-ready, co-creating measures of productivity with their workforces, and developing a deep understanding of and proficiency in implementing a skills-based approach to hiring and talent development.”
Survey details
The findings are based on a survey conducted by Walr on behalf of Upwork and Workplace Intelligence, which included 2,500 global workers—1,250 C-suite executives, 625 full-time employees, and 625 freelancers—from the U.S., UK, Australia, and Canada.
Upwork Inc. is a global work marketplace connecting businesses with independent talent.
