Archive · 19 Aug 2025
AI's Impact: Why Technology Isn't Freeing Up Work Time
AI was supposed to make us work less, but that hasn't happened.
Even though AI helps with boring tasks, people are working longer hours.
This is because companies want more productivity, and AI lets them track how people spend their time.
Plus, workers feel pressure to perform well, and this can lead to working more to make more money.
The constant connection to work through emails and meetings also blurs the line between work and free time, so many people end up working more.
AI tools are widely used to reduce daily work drudgery.
Workers in AI-intensive jobs are working more hours than before.
Employers are setting higher productivity benchmarks due to automation.
AI is used to monitor employee time spent, especially in remote work settings.
Automated performance scores provide real-time feedback, often impacting well-being.
- Who
- Employees in AI-exposed jobs are working longer hours.
- What
- AI tools aren't creating more free time at work despite predictions.
- When
- Recent data shows increased work hours in AI-intensive jobs.
- Where
- The trend is observed globally, especially in AI-intensive workplaces.
- Why
- Increased productivity benchmarks and monitoring with AI are contributing to longer work hours.
Potential Benefits
Reality
Workload
Potential Benefits
AI could free up time by automating tasks.
Reality
AI increases productivity demands leading to longer hours.
Workplace Monitoring
Potential Benefits
AI allows for more flexibility in work.
Reality
AI enables increased surveillance and monitoring of employees.
- Email Checks
- 40% of people online at 6 am
- Daily Emails
- Average of 117 received
- Daily Messages on Teams
- Average of 157
- Meeting Interruptions
- Average time between is 2 minutes
- Workday Extension
- 29% check inboxes by 10 pm