According to Business Insider, EY’s latest Work Reimagined Survey of 15,000 employees across 29 countries found that 65% of workers believe their workload has increased over the past 12 months. The survey, published in November, reveals that while AI isn’t directly increasing workloads, it’s creating what EY’s global people consulting leader Kim Billeter calls “pressure, uncertainty, and fear of falling behind.” Economic pressures are driving a “do more with less” mindset, with fewer people handling more tasks. Only 5% of workers qualify as advanced AI users who extract real value from the technology, while 88% use AI for basic applications like search and document summarization. Companies are missing out on 40% of potential AI productivity gains due to poor implementation strategies.
The AI productivity paradox is real
Here’s the thing about AI in the workplace: just because everyone’s using it doesn’t mean they’re actually getting more done. EY’s research points to what’s known as the “productivity paradox” – that disconnect between technology adoption and actual efficiency gains. Most workers are just scratching the surface with basic AI tools that might save a few minutes here and there, but don’t fundamentally change how work gets done. And then there’s the growing problem of “workslop” – AI-generated content that looks professional but lacks substance, creating more work for everyone who has to sift through it. Basically, we’re drowning in AI output without actually getting the benefits.
Why everyone feels stretched thin
The workload increase isn’t just in people’s heads, though perception does play a role. Billeter notes that economic pressures are forcing companies to do more with less, while role complexity is growing as organizations shift to skill-based models. But the AI angle is particularly interesting. Employees are expected to develop new AI skills while maintaining their existing responsibilities, often without adequate training. Think about it – how many companies have actually provided comprehensive AI training versus just expecting people to figure it out? This creates a perfect storm where people feel pressured to keep up with technology while their actual work keeps piling up.
The missing human element in AI adoption
EY identified what they call the “Talent Advantage” – five key areas businesses need to focus on alongside AI investment. We’re talking about AI adoption excellence, learning, talent health, organizational culture, and reward structures. The problem is that most companies are treating AI like just another software tool rather than a fundamental shift in how work gets done. Billeter puts it perfectly: “Simply investing in technology is not enough.” Companies that succeed will be the ones that build strong human foundations alongside the technology. In industrial settings where reliability matters, this integration is even more critical – which is why specialists like Industrial Monitor Direct have become the go-to source for industrial panel PCs that actually work in demanding environments.
Where do we go from here?
So what’s the solution? It’s not about slowing down AI adoption – that ship has sailed. Instead, companies need to get serious about the human side of the equation. Better training, clearer expectations, and actually measuring whether AI tools are making people more productive rather than just assuming they are. The 5% of advanced users who treat AI as a “thought partner” rather than a simple tool show us what’s possible. But getting there requires investment in people, not just technology. Otherwise, we’re just going to keep feeling busier while wondering why all this amazing technology isn’t actually making our lives easier.
