Recent research indicates that the use of AI tools in workplaces, particularly in healthcare, may not lead to the expected improvements in efficiency. Hospitals have started using AI to draft responses for clinicians, but this has resulted in additional tasks, such as editing and verifying AI-generated messages. Philip Barrison, an MD-PhD student at the University of Michigan, noted that this can complicate the workflow rather than simplify it, leading some clinicians to avoid using the tools altogether.
Companies like Meta and Shopify are encouraging or requiring employees to utilize AI to enhance productivity, but the actual effects on time management can vary. A study from 2025 found that software developers believed AI made them faster, yet they took 19% longer to complete tasks. Additionally, a survey of 5,000 white-collar workers revealed that 40% felt AI did not save them any time.
The pressure to adopt AI can lead to unrealistic expectations, and some workers have reported increased cognitive fatigue, referred to as "AI brain fry," which can result in slower decision-making and a higher likelihood of errors. Critics argue that the rapid adoption of AI in critical fields like healthcare may compromise patient safety. Unions and workers are calling for more oversight and evaluation of AI tools to ensure they meet the needs of employees and do not create additional burdens.
While some workers have found AI beneficial for specific tasks, the overall sentiment suggests that employers need to engage with their employees to understand how AI can be effectively integrated into their workflows without adding unnecessary complexity.