AI at Work: A Boost for Well-Being - or a Source of Stress?

With some recent work, I learned the value of incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into some of our team's survey practices. We found that it could save us many hours of sifting through employee comments and still produce meaningful themes. Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the workplace, and its impact on employee well-being is proving to be a double-edged sword.

The Upside

A global survey of 3,700 knowledge workers found that daily AI users report 34% higher job satisfaction, greater purpose, and stronger optimism about their future. They’re also more likely to hit goals and see clear career progress (GlobeNewswire, 2025). By reducing routine tasks, AI frees people to focus on creative and strategic work—boosting engagement and meaning.

The Downside

But the same workers also reported 20% higher stress levels (Benefits and Pensions Monitor, 2025). Constantly adapting to new tools, checking AI outputs, and worrying about job security can take a toll. Moderate stress may drive focus (“eustress”), but chronic stress risks burnout.

Trust is another challenge. A Workday survey revealed that while 82% of companies use AI, only 30% of employees are comfortable being “managed” by it (TechRadar, 2025). Employees want AI as a teammate—not a boss. Meanwhile, over half of workers admit hiding AI use from managers, underscoring gaps in transparency and trust (Business Insider, 2025).

Hidden Risks

Over-reliance on AI can also erode critical thinking and social skills. Some employees already treat AI like a “pseudo-colleague,” raising concerns about isolation and what psychologists call “relational diabetes”—the slow decline of interpersonal abilities from digital overuse (Economic Times, 2025).

Interestingly, context matters. In manufacturing, AI adoption actually improved mental health for some lower-skilled and older workers—especially when paired with supportive environments (Wu et al., 2022). This suggests that how AI is introduced may matter as much as the technology itself.

Moving Forward

Research points to five keys for responsible AI adoption:

1. Transparency – Be clear about how AI is used, especially in performance and well-being (Hamilton, 2025).

2. Skill-Building – Invest in training so employees feel empowered, not threatened (ArXiv, 2024).

3. Preserve Autonomy – Let AI handle routine work while humans focus on meaningful tasks (Springer, 2025).

4. Foster Connection – Balance AI efficiency with opportunities for human interaction.

5. Listen & Adapt – Gather employee feedback to refine AI policies (Business Insider, 2025).

Final Word

AI has the power to make work more purposeful and engaging—but only if organizations take a human-first approach. The future of well-being at work depends not just on what AI can do, but on how we choose to use it.

References

• Benefits and Pensions Monitor. (2025). Study links daily AI use to higher satisfaction and purpose—despite increased stress. Retrieved from link

• Business Insider. (2025). Researchers asked almost 50,000 people how they use AI. Over half of workers said they hide it from their bosses. Retrieved from link

• Economic Times. (2025). Using too much AI at work: psychologist warns it is like junk food leading to relational diabetes. Retrieved from link

• GlobeNewswire. (2025). AI at Work: New global study links AI to greater happiness. Retrieved from link

• Hamilton, D. (2025). How AI is transforming workplace mental health: promises and pitfalls. Forbes. Retrieved from link

• Springer. (2025). Human-centered AI and workplace well-being. Retrieved from link

• TechRadar. (2025). Don’t call AI agents boss—survey finds workers welcome AI but still want clear boundaries. Retrieved from link

• Wu, Y., Gao, J., Li, Y., & Zhao, J. (2022). Artificial Intelligence and workers’ mental health: Evidence from Chinese manufacturing. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, 903584. Retrieved from PMC

• ArXiv. (2024). AI, HR practices, and employee well-being. Retrieved from link