AI Will Not Make Everyone More Productive (www.vincentschmalbach.com)

Recent discussions on AI productivity highlight that while artificial intelligence, particularly tools like Claude Code’s Hidden Advisor, can enhance the efficiency of certain individuals, it does not guarantee overall productivity improvements for everyone. Some professionals, such as adept developers, writers, and operators, can significantly leverage AI to explore solutions more rapidly, streamline decision-making, and reduce repetitive tasks. However, the reliance on AI also risks creating an illusion of productivity by increasing output volume without necessarily adding value. The real bottlenecks in knowledge work, such as attention and clarity, remain unaddressed even as AI facilitates the generation of content. The core issue lies in the fact that AI reduces the cost of producing extensive materials—like long reports or emails—leading to a proliferation of low-value communications. This can compound the coordination challenges within organizations, where the influx of polished yet insubstantial documents demands more attention and effort from colleagues. Moreover, the incentive structures in many workplaces do not align with the enhanced capabilities provided by AI; employees may feel pressured to maintain output levels while not benefiting proportionately from their increased efficiency. As a result, for many, it becomes more rational to quietly increase their productivity without sharing such gains, thereby stifling potential collaborative advancements in AI usage.