Artificial intelligence, despite promises of streamlining tasks, is actually increasing the speed, density, and complexity of work, leading to more intense workloads rather than lightening them. This shift is highlighted by analyses indicating that companies are leveraging AI to squeeze more work out of fewer people, with expectations for productivity rising significantly.
This trend coincides with a broader push for efficiency by companies. CFOs at large U.S. companies mentioned "efficiency" on 307 conference calls in the latest quarter, a notable increase from 219 a year prior and the highest level since at least 2020. This cost-cutting mentality is reflected in actions like Q2 Holdings' finance chief Jonathan Price aiming at nonessential expenses, resulting in over 25% reduction in February compared to the previous year, including a $100 cap on wine bottle purchases for entertainment. However, some, like Smurfit Westrock CFO Ken Bowles, caution against cutting too deeply, fearing employees might feel devalued and seek opportunities with competitors.
The elimination of "busywork" by AI, initially seen as a positive, is revealing unintended consequences. While 85% of survey respondents hoped AI would automate these tasks for more fulfilling work, experts suggest that occasional boredom and repetitive tasks are crucial for creativity and insight. For instance, engineers at software company Metaintro found that repetitive data validation led to patterns and larger insights, which were lost when these tasks were automated. The constant focus on cognitively engaging tasks without periodic mental breaks can be counterproductive, leading to diminishing returns on quality and increased risk of burnout.
Workers are discovering a paradoxical value in busywork. It can serve as "productive procrastination," a quiet refuge from demanding social interactions, or a way to gain intimacy with data, as in the case of data cleaning. The "chillable billables" for lawyers doing document review exemplify how these tasks provide a cognitive break without appearing unproductive. If AI simply replaces three hours of light work with two hours of intense work, leaving no room for mental respite, it could lead to severe burnout, as cognitive resources are finite and require periodic relief.
Ultimately, the optimal workday, according to experts, involves a balance between highly focused, cognitive tasks and more mundane activities. Rather than turning the workday into a "nonstop sprint," AI should aim to create a better rhythm, allowing for "flow states" during intense work while providing downtime to prevent mental fatigue. The goal should be to use saved time for genuine mental breaks or recovery, not just to pile on more demanding work.
