'The goal can’t simply be AI usage': New report finds people using AI are working up to 90 minutes extra every day (www.techradar.com)

A new report from ActivTrak reveals a surprising trend among heavy AI users: instead of enhancing productivity, AI usage is leading to longer workdays. The study analyzed the digital work patterns of over 9,000 employees across 467 companies and found that AI users work an average of 8.4 to 9.1 hours daily—up to 90 minutes more than non-users. Notably, heavy AI users, defined as those utilizing AI tools for over 45 minutes in multiple sessions, experience heightened application switching and shorter periods of focused work, resulting in additional after-hours work by about 18 minutes. This finding challenges the prevailing notion that AI tools inherently boost efficiency. Key roles affected include software engineers, who frequently switch between applications, spending significant time coding, and operations managers reliant on browser-based AI tools. While heavy AI users spend less time in meetings, the overall picture reveals that simply implementing AI isn't enough; leaders must focus on translating AI usage into tangible improvements in productivity and business performance. The report’s insights align with Gartner’s recent findings that highlight low levels of success among organizations attempting to leverage AI effectively, suggesting a need for a reassessment of current AI strategies in the workplace.