More Workers Are Secretly Using AI … But It’s Not Because They’re Lazy

The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence has sparked a wide range of concerns about the future of work. There’s the fear that it will replace millions of jobs or that it will lead to the devolution of skills that have been valued in the workforce for generations.

But so far, many office workers seem to be exploiting a somewhat unexpected application for the technology.

Battling burnout

Data compiled by LinkedIn and Microsoft show that bosses don’t seem to be replacing the various tasks handed down to their subordinates with AI. But the workers themselves are — and it appears to be an act born of necessity.

“People are overwhelmed with digital debt and under duress at work,” explained Microsoft executive Colette Stallbaumer. “And they are turning to AI for relief.”

Meetings, emails, and other daily expectations that often get in the way of doing actual work have left modern-day office workers drowning, but AI has become a life preserver for many of them. According to the wide-ranging report based on 31,000 workers from 31 countries offered an enlightening look into the matter.

• Three in four desk-job employees are currently using AI.
• That percentage is almost double what it was just six months earlier.
• About 70% of the workers reported feeling burned out.
• Almost half of those surveyed say they want to quit their jobs.

Teaching themselves

One important factor that emerged from the report is that many workers who are using AI haven’t been formally trained by their bosses — and in many cases, their superiors don’t even know they’re using it.

With so many workers quietly planning to quit their current jobs, learning AI isn’t just a way to deal with burnout today … the knowledge they receive could help them land a new position in the future.

Chris Agee May 9th, 2024

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