Upwork Study Reveals Increasing Workloads and Burnout Caused by AI

Upwork Inc. released new research from the Upwork Research Institute that reveals that AI is increasing the workload of full-time workers, hindering productivity, and contributing to burnout.

Despite significant investment in AI by business leaders, research shows that many organizations fail to realize the technology's full productivity potential. While 96% of C-suite leaders expect AI to increase productivity, 77% of employees using AI report that these tools add to their workload. Almost half of these workers say they don't know how to get the expected productivity gains.

Kelly Monahan, executive director of the Upwork Research Institute, commented, “Our research shows that introducing new technology into outdated models and applications fails to unlock the full productivity potential of AI. While it is possible for AI to simultaneously increase productivity and improve employee well-being, this outcome will require a fundamental change in the way we organize talent and work.”

The report highlights several key findings:

Workers are feeling increased productivity demands, and 1 in 3 full-time workers are likely to quit in the next six months. 81% of global C-suite leaders agree that they have increased demands on their employees in the past year. As a result, 71% of full-time employees are burned out, and 65% struggle with employers' productivity needs. Shockingly, one in three workers say they are likely to quit work in the next six months due to burnout or overwork.

C-suite leaders expect AI to boost productivity, but employees are getting the opposite. While 96% of leaders expect higher levels of productivity from AI, 77% of employees report increased productivity due to AI. Employees are spending more time reviewing AI-generated content (39%), learning to use AI tools (23%), and doing more work because of AI (21%).

Many employees are still unclear about how to get the productivity gains that employers expect. Nearly half (47%) of AI-enabled employees don't know how to achieve the productivity gains their employers expect, and 40% feel their company is asking too much of them about AI.

Freelancers are more productive with AI compared to full-time employees. Almost half (48%) of freelancers say they have the ability to use AI, and more than a third (34%) use AI tools at least 1-2 days a week. More than half (56%) of freelancers are struggling to keep up with productivity demands, compared to just 35% of full-time workers.

Many C-suite leaders report increased organizational creativity and employee well-being by bringing in independent talent. Profitable independent leaders have at least twice as many results as organizational smoothness (45%), work quality (40%), innovation (39%), resilience (39%), revenue (36%), and efficiency (34%). Additionally, 35% report improved well-being and engagement among full-time employees as a result of hiring freelancers. Nearly half (48%) of C-suite executives have hired freelancers to run delayed AI projects in the past year.

Monahan added, “To reap the full productivity value of AI, leaders need to create an improved work model for AI. This includes leveraging alternative AI-ready talent pools, integrating manufacturing methods with their workforce, and developing a deeper understanding of a skills-based approach to hiring and developing talent. Only then can leaders avoid losing critical employees and advance their innovation agenda. “

Photo: Upwork