AI doesn’t reduce work, it intensifies it (simonwillison.net)

A recent study by researchers at Berkeley Haas School of Business highlights a troubling trend in the workplace: AI does not reduce work; it intensifies it. This research, which surveyed 200 employees at a U.S.-based technology company between April and December 2025, reveals that while AI tools can enhance productivity, they also create a heightened cognitive load for workers. Employees often find themselves multitasking across various projects, relying on AI as a "partner" to manage their workload. However, this reliance leads to continuous attention-switching and an overwhelming number of simultaneous tasks, resulting in burnout and mental exhaustion. The findings challenge longstanding assumptions about productivity and sustainable work practices in the era of AI. Researchers advocate for organizations to establish structured "AI practices" that can mitigate these negative effects, helping to distinguish genuine productivity from unsustainable intensity. As the integration of AI continues to evolve, organizations must navigate the new dynamics of work to avoid employee burnout and maintain a healthy balance between efficiency and wellbeing.