URGENT UPDATE: A new EY survey reveals that 64% of employees worldwide are feeling overwhelmed by increased workloads over the past year. With 15,000 workers surveyed across 29 countries, the findings highlight a growing concern as workers grapple with the impact of artificial intelligence on their jobs.
According to the survey, 88% of respondents are now utilizing AI tools in their daily tasks, yet most are only employing these technologies for basic functions such as search and document summarization. This limited usage raises questions about productivity, as many employees are left feeling stretched thin and pressured to adapt quickly to evolving workplace demands.
Kim Billeter, EY’s global people consulting leader, stated, “Our research indicates that AI isn’t necessarily increasing workloads but rather amplifying existing anxieties.” Workers are facing fears about skill erosion and insufficient training, contributing to a heightened sense of urgency and uncertainty in their roles.
The survey, released in early November 2023, reveals that while AI is becoming a staple in the workplace, it is also causing what some are calling “workslop”—a flood of AI-generated content that can clutter workflows and create additional tasks for employees to manage.
As organizations shift towards skill-based models, the pressure to learn new competencies while maintaining existing responsibilities is intensifying. Billeter warns that the current economic climate is fostering a “do more with less” mentality, where fewer employees are tasked with an ever-growing list of responsibilities.
The findings from EY’s Work Reimagined Survey further underscore a troubling “productivity paradox.” Although 88% of workers report using AI, only a mere 5% identify as advanced users who effectively leverage AI as a strategic partner rather than a basic tool. EY estimates that companies are missing out on 40% of potential productivity gains by failing to implement a robust AI strategy.
Moving forward, Billeter emphasizes the necessity of focusing on the human aspect of AI adoption. “Achieving an AI advantage is closely tied to building a solid talent foundation,” she explains. EY has identified five critical areas, termed the “Talent Advantage,” which organizations must integrate with their AI investments: excellence in AI adoption, continuous learning, employee well-being, organizational culture, and effective reward structures.
In this rapidly changing landscape, companies are urged to not just invest in technology but to also cultivate a strong human foundation that can harness the full potential of AI.
As the situation develops, employees and employers alike are encouraged to engage in open dialogues about their experiences with AI and workload challenges to foster a healthier, more productive work environment.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent development affecting the global workforce.