Researchers at UC Berkeley spent eight months observing a 200-person tech firm to analyze the effects of AI adoption among its employees. Their findings revealed that rather than alleviating workloads, the introduction of AI tools significantly heightened them. Through numerous employee interviews, it became evident that while AI facilitated the completion of minor tasks and accelerated the initiation of new projects, workers ultimately ended up taking on additional responsibilities. All employees voluntarily integrated AI tools into their daily routines, with the company covering the subscription costs for these services. However, the research indicated that workers frequently engaged with AI even during their breaks, at lunchtime, or within meetings. Many employees sent a "quick last prompt" to the AI before stepping away, allowing it to continue its tasks in their absence. Consequently, employees began to extend their hours in the office out of their own desire. Many took on extra duties, including those they had previously outsourced or avoided. For instance, designers started coding, and researchers delved into engineering tasks. While AI may boost productivity in the short term, the study's authors caution that this trend can lead to cognitive overload and quick burnout over time, highlighting the need for further investigation into the long-term impacts of AI on the workforce.
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