The rush to integrate artificial intelligence into workplaces may be backfiring. A new study from the University of California, Berkeley, published in the Harvard Business Review, reveals that while AI initially boosts productivity, it ultimately leads to longer workdays, decreased work-life balance, and surprisingly, lower-quality output.
The Initial Surge, Followed by Burnout
Researchers tracked approximately 200 employees at a tech company for eight months, observing their behavior with enterprise-level AI subscriptions. The findings are blunt: employees who embraced AI did indeed work faster and take on additional tasks. However, this “productivity surge” came at a cost. Workers inadvertently overloaded themselves by tackling responsibilities that would previously have been delegated or avoided altogether.
The core issue is that current AI tools aren’t a shortcut; they’re an extension of work. Non-developers now have the means to “vibe code” for projects, but this capability doesn’t eliminate the underlying workload – it simply shifts it. Employees ended up with more on their plates, struggling to maintain balance.
The “Workslop” Problem and Diminishing Returns
AI’s output rarely arrives polished. A separate 2025 study highlighted a growing problem: employees spend hours each week correcting “workslop”—low-quality, error-ridden AI-generated content produced by themselves and their colleagues. OpenAI’s own 2025 enterprise report showed only modest time savings, averaging between 40 to 60 minutes per week, even among heavy AI users.
This means the promised efficiency gains are often offset by the need for extensive human review and correction. The convenience of always-on AI access further exacerbates the issue. Employees run queries during breaks or after hours, blurring the lines between work and personal time.
Intensifying Work, Not Reducing It
The Berkeley study concludes that AI is more likely to intensify work rather than alleviate it. The constant availability of AI creates an expectation of faster results, even as cognitive loads remain high. Having a “digital partner” doesn’t reduce mental strain; it simply adds another layer of pressure.
Preventing AI Burnout: A Cultural Shift
To avoid these pitfalls, researchers Aruna Ranganathan and Xingqi Maggie Ye suggest that companies must prioritize human connection, focus on quality over speed, and implement dedicated “focus time” free from AI interruptions. Intentional AI usage – both in and out of work – is critical to prevent misuse and ensure meaningful productivity gains. The real challenge isn’t about the tool itself; it’s about how it’s integrated into workplace culture.
The study suggests that AI in the workplace is less a revolution and more an evolution. If not handled carefully, it could create a future where workers are simply busier, not better off.
