AI is meant to reduce routine work, but research suggests it can also increase workload. Simple, recurring tasks may decrease, while demanding analysis, assessment, and oversight can grow significantly. Human working memory is limited, and AI can add to cognitive strain. Switching between different tasks can weaken focus, while frequent prompting can leave less room for recovery or creativity.
Leaders should create quiet, meeting-free time and measure performance more by outcomes than by hours worked. The goal is to use AI in a way that genuinely eases the load and to train teams properly. Among other things, AI should be used as a thinking partner, not just as a way to outsource tasks.