Working Faster Doesn’t Mean Easier — Or Better

The AI Boom: AI promised us increased productivity and improved efficiency. In a lot of cases, it has delivered on that promise. But new research from Harvard Business Review suggests the technology may also be quietly expanding the workday (and the mental load that comes with it).

The Study: Researchers followed 200 employees at U.S.-based tech companies over eight months to see how AI changed their habits. Workers did complete tasks faster. But instead of logging off earlier, they took on more assignments and widened their scope of responsibility. Many extended their hours, filling the time AI saved with additional output. Employees also reported taking fewer breaks and experiencing a growing pressure to produce more, and more, and more.

The Takeaway: AI can boost productivity, but without boundaries, it may intensify expectations. If you use AI at work, try “scope control,” a tactic suggested by the Harvard researchers: don’t automatically replace saved time with new tasks. Efficiency should create breathing room, not more pressure.

Keep in Mind: This study focused on tech workers, like software developers and engineers. Use of AI and how it applies to different roles varies widely, so it’s hard to say if this is the case across industries.