Extensive AI use makes employees lonely, nervous

“Many organizations have lost sight of their most important asset — the humans whose jobs are being fragmented into tasks that are increasingly becoming automated. From a human-centered perspective, this may be a worrying trend, as a primary focus on technology may bring unwanted human costs such as reducing job satisfaction, motivation, and mental well-being,” HBR said. “If you want to make AI adoption projects successful and viable, you need to focus on humans first and AI second.”

To a limited degree, the study noted, this reaction to AI is “surprising” because of the enterprise focus in recent years on worker well-being. 

“Modern organizations are increasingly sensitive to the physical and mental well-being of their employees, and they are going to great lengths to promote both inclusiveness and social connection. This is good business: Research shows that when people feel a strong connection with others at work, they will consider the interests of the organization as important to their own interests,” the authors wrote. “Indeed, such studies consistently show that employees who feel socially connected and emotionally fulfilled at work are more engaged, productive, and committed to their organizations. They’re more likely to collaborate, innovate, and go above and beyond in their roles. In contrast, employees who feel isolated and disconnected are more prone to burnout, absenteeism, and turnover.”