AI doesn’t reduce work, it intensifies it
simonwillison.net
February 10, 2026
2 min read
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60/100
Summary
AI implementation in workplaces increases the intensity of work rather than reducing it, as employees manage multiple tasks simultaneously, such as writing code and other responsibilities. A study conducted by researchers from Berkeley Haas School of Business observed these effects among 200 employees at a U.S.-based technology company.
Key Takeaways
- AI increases cognitive load and creates a sense of juggling multiple tasks, leading to mental exhaustion among workers.
- Employees experience a feeling of productivity while managing several active threads, but this often results in burnout and decreased mental energy.
- Organizations are encouraged to establish an "AI practice" to structure AI usage and mitigate the unsustainable intensity of work.
- The integration of AI has disrupted traditional notions of sustainable working practices, necessitating a new balance in work habits.
Community Sentiment
Positives
- AI provides a unique toolset that can enhance creativity, but its addictive nature may lead to diminishing returns in motivation and engagement.
Concerns
- AI intensifies work demands rather than reducing them, as management often raises output expectations with each efficiency gain.
- Agentic development can lead to wasted time chasing ideas without proper evaluation, resulting in a trade-off between execution and critical thinking.
- The constant influx of AI-generated insights can feel overwhelming and trivial, making it difficult to focus on what truly matters.
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