Can AI usage actually lead to less efficiency and even burnout? While this isn’t typically the narrative we hear, it’s certainly true that without proper training, or being provided with specific workflows and use cases, many employees are not benefiting from the full potential of AI, and even worse, sometimes feel more overwhelmed than they were before using it! This is precisely why ‘AI literacy’ is going to be a term we hear increasingly more often. AI companies can definitely do better at communicating best practices, and in the meantime it’s a massive opportunity for informed consultants to help businesses navigate this ever changing technology.
When ChatGPT hit the scene in late 2022, many businesses, like Anurag Garg’s PR agency, Everest PR, rushed to integrate this AI language tool into their workflows. The idea was to boost productivity by using AI for tasks like generating story ideas, crafting media pitches, and transcribing notes. However, as MaryLou Costa reports, the reality was quite different.
Instead of streamlining operations, the introduction of AI tools led to stress and burnout among Mr. Garg’s team. Employees found that using ChatGPT required creating detailed briefs and prompts, and they often had to double-check the AI’s output for errors. Each update to the platform meant more time spent learning new features, further adding to their workload. Mr. Garg himself felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of AI tools, such as Zapier and Perplexity, flooding the market, each promising to solve different problems but collectively creating more chaos.
The experience at Everest PR is echoed in broader research. A survey by Upwork of 2,500 knowledge workers across several countries found that while 96% of top executives expect AI to boost productivity, 77% of employees reported the opposite, with AI tools adding to their workload. Additionally, 61% of respondents believe AI increases the risk of burnout, a sentiment particularly strong among those under 25.
Despite these challenges, AI does offer potential benefits. For smaller firms, as Alicia Navarro of Flown points out, AI can be empowering, allowing them to do more with limited resources. However, the key is using these tools correctly, which requires significant filtering and learning.
There are concerns, though. The constant need to adapt to new tools can lead to stress and a sense of being overwhelmed. Leah Steele, a lawyer turned coach, notes that the pressure to do more with less, without considering the actual outcomes of these tools, is a significant issue. The Law Society of England and Wales also highlights the need for better support for lawyers adapting to AI.
Possible Business Use Cases
- Create a consultancy that helps businesses integrate AI tools effectively, minimizing stress and maximizing productivity.
- Develop a platform that consolidates multiple AI tools into a single interface, reducing the need to switch between apps.
- Offer training programs focused on helping employees adapt to AI tools, emphasizing mental health and work-life balance.
In conclusion, while AI tools like ChatGPT hold promise for enhancing productivity, they also bring challenges that need careful management. The balance between leveraging these innovative applications and mitigating their potential negative impacts is crucial. As we navigate this evolving landscape, it’s essential to consider both the benefits and the potential pitfalls, ensuring that technology serves to enhance, rather than hinder, our work lives.
Image Credit: DALL-E
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