Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly interfering in our daily professional lives, with the promise of facilitating and optimizing our work. Smartphones, computers, connected objects, intelligent software… these information and communication technologies (ICT) seem to have become essential. However, a recent British study tarnishes this idyllic picture, revealing that some of these ICTs, and in particular AI, are actually harmful to our well-being at work. Deciphering a phenomenon that could well call into question our relationship with technology in the professional sphere.
A study that highlights the perverse effects of AI at work
Institute for the Future of Work carried out a study of 5,000 workers using computer equipment for their work.
If the results show that “classic” digital tools such as computers, smartphones and professional messaging generally promote the well-being of working peopleit is quite different for more recent technologies such as roboticsTHE connected objects and especially artificial intelligence.
According to the study, the more intensely employees use these new generation ICTs, the more their quality of life at work deteriorates.
AI would therefore be far from being the ideal colleague that we are promised, and could even become our worst enemy in the office. Dr Magdalena Soffia, lead author of the study, however, qualifies:
“We do not want to pretend that there is some kind of determinism in the effects of technology on well-being. It really depends on the context“.
Stress, mental load, loss of autonomy: the risks of AI at work
Why would AI have a negative impact where other ICTs improve our daily professional lives? The study puts forward several explanations. Although they can make certain tasks easier, AI technologies also help to intensify the work.
They would thus expose employees to more stressd’hyperconnectivity and of charge mentale.
Furthermore, by automating part of the work, AI can paradoxically generate a feeling ofinsecurity among employees who fear for their jobs. It would also be a source of loss of meaning and D’autonomyby “robotizing” previously rewarding tasks.
So many elements which, according to previous studies, can significantly degrade well-being at work.
Towards a more “human” AI in business?
Faced with this worrying observation, companies must rethink the way they integrate AI into their organization.
There are many structural factors to consider, environmental conditions, how the technology is designed and deployed”adds Dr Soffia.
Transparency, formation et accompaniement teams seem to be the watchwords so that the arrival of AI rhymes with professional development rather than suffering at work.
The challenge is high: succeed in combining technological performance and quality of life, to make artificial intelligence a caring ally rather than a toxic colleague. A major challenge for companies, which will more than ever have to place people at the heart of their innovation strategy.
My name is Ethan, I’m 30 years old, and I’m the founder of this magazine. After studying journalism, I quickly decided to go freelance to be able to write as I wanted and talk about my true passions. I aim to create an information hub where French and international news is treated seriously and with insight. My goal is to enlighten my readers’ daily lives and encourage a deeper understanding of current issues.
2024-03-24 11:15:00