Is AI's war on busywork a creativity killer? What the experts say (www.zdnet.com)

Tech companies are increasingly promoting AI as a solution to eliminate "busywork," suggesting that this will free employees to be more creative and productive. However, experts are raising concerns that constant engagement without periods of boredom may stifle creativity rather than enhance it. Research indicates that light bouts of boredom can help trigger cognitive reorganization and deeper engagement with tasks, allowing room for spontaneous insights. For instance, some professionals find that repetitive tasks lead to valuable patterns and ideas that might otherwise go unnoticed when all mundane tasks are automated. Ultimately, a balanced approach to work is essential. Experts argue that instead of completely offloading busywork to AI, employees should leverage AI to manage their cognitive energy better, interspersing intense work with moments of downtime. This rhythm can foster a more productive and creative environment, rather than turning the workday into an unrelenting sprint. As AI continues to shape work habits, the industry faces the challenge of optimizing productivity while preserving the mental space necessary for innovation and collaboration.