Americans are increasingly using artificial intelligence more than they were a year ago: According to new research by Pew Research Center, the share of American workers using AI for work has risen to 20%, up from 8% in March 2023.
But which workers are using AI—and how?
“There is a vanguard of people starting to become heavy AI users who are not technical talent,” says Aaron De Smet, senior partner at McKinsey and author of its latest generative AI report. Non-technical workers refer to employees who are not building the AI software, and thus find themselves using it to complement their tasks. Think project managers, nurses or salespeople.
AI technology has allowed them to become more productive and efficient in their work, De Smet says. But what managers are not paying attention to, he says, is the level of burnout heavy users of AI are experiencing.
“There’s a surprising number of people who say ‘I’m using AI and it’s working. I’m more productive and effective than I’ve ever been,’” he says. A two-hour task may turn into a 10 minute deal with AI. That also means employees are spending more time doing “higher level” work, but if the frequency increases too much they could quickly burn out, which could lead to workers searching for a different job .
While some may be lured away by higher salaries or a better title, the McKinsey study found higher pay wasn’t the top reason people were leaving—instead, they’re looking for “meaningful work” and more flexibility with their time. Employees want to know they’re working toward a goal and feel aligned to the company’s mission.
In a way, more AI use will mean companies need to focus more on the human element of work. As you spend more time using AI tools, you’re going to want more flexibility, more wellness benefits to prevent burnout and more reassurances that you’re valued. Put another way: It’s going to become even more important that your company treats you like a person at work.
“A couple hundred years ago, the industrial revolution dehumanized work,” says De Smet. “And now automation and AI is rehumanizing work.”
Artificial intelligence darling Stability AI is the latest company to undergo a sudden and contentious shift in management, Forbes’ Kenrick Cai and Iain Martin report. Bad management, poor financial decisions and quiet layoffs, they report, prompted the eventual resignation of founder Emad Mostaque. It’s not the first (and won’t be the last) hopeful startup to undergo a sudden management shift. What do you do if you find yourself working for a startup and the founder leaves? Here are some tips on how to make the best of your time working at a startup.
