A recent survey conducted by HR software company Workday reveals that while artificial intelligence (AI) enhances work speed, it simultaneously increases the workload for employees. The findings, released on Wednesday, indicate that many workers are spending significant time correcting errors generated by AI, which complicates the narrative surrounding its efficiency.
The survey, conducted in November 2023, involved 3,200 employees across North America, Europe, and Asia, all from companies with at least $100 million in revenue and a minimum of 150 employees. According to the report, 85% of respondents indicated that AI saved them between 1 to 7 hours weekly. However, nearly 37% of that time savings is negated by what respondents termed “rework”—a process that includes correcting mistakes, rewriting content, and verifying AI-generated output.
Only 14% of those surveyed reported consistently positive results from using AI tools. The report did not specify which AI products were in use or the companies that developed them, highlighting a gap in the understanding of AI’s practical applications in the workplace.
The Productivity Paradox of AI
Gerrit Kazmaier, president of product at Workday, commented on the findings, stating, “There is a big productivity paradox.” He noted that those who use AI most frequently often invest substantial time in reviewing and correcting the outputs produced by these technologies. Kazmaier explained that as users become more proficient with AI, they also become more aware of its shortcomings, leading to increased time spent on validation rather than productivity.
This perspective aligns with findings from other reputable studies conducted by institutions such as MIT and the Harvard Business Review, which have raised similar concerns about the true productivity benefits of AI. The term “workslop” has emerged to describe the inefficiencies associated with AI-generated work.
Kazmaier elaborated on the challenges faced by users, indicating that some people run identical prompts across various AI models to cross-check results. This practice, while enhancing accuracy, further contributes to the workload of employees.
Future Implications for Employment and Productivity
Despite the challenges, there remains a palpable eagerness among CEOs and employers to harness AI’s potential for improved productivity, particularly as a means to reduce labor costs. A separate survey conducted by consultancy firm AlixPartners revealed that 95% of CEOs anticipate layoffs in the next five years due to AI advancements. Rob Hornby, co-CEO of AlixPartners, remarked that this expectation may be more aspirational than grounded in current realities, as many CEOs have yet to witness significant productivity gains from AI.
Hornby acknowledged that while there are incremental productivity benefits in specific niche areas, particularly in low-level commoditized writing, the broader challenge remains: “We’re having a tough time proving out real productivity benefits.”
Advancements in AI technology continue at a rapid pace, with tools becoming increasingly adept at performing real-world tasks. For example, a recent tool developed by Anthropic for automating routine office tasks was created in less than 1.5 weeks using entirely AI-generated code.
The integration of new technology often requires time and adaptation. Historically, as seen during the advent of the Internet, employees need to acclimatize to new tools, while employers must integrate these innovations effectively. Workday and other enterprise technology firms are actively working to provide AI-based software solutions to address these integration challenges.
In summary, while AI is undeniably accelerating work processes, it simultaneously introduces complexities that can lead to increased workloads for employees. The ongoing discourse around AI’s impact on productivity highlights a critical need for further exploration and understanding of its role in modern workplaces.
