Some people got fired so I guess they work less now

2026-05-11 · Source: Artificial Intelligence · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Human Resources & Workforce Development, Operations & Process Management · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, short

Summary

A discussion among professionals on an online forum explores the impact of AI on workload, productivity, and employment, challenging the notion that AI universally leads to reduced working hours. While some individuals claim AI allows them to work less or achieve significantly higher productivity (e.g., 5x velocity), others report increased workloads, burnout, or job displacement. One user notes replacing a five-person consulting team with AI at a cost of $200/month versus $35,000. The conversation also touches on the loss of remote work, attributing it to real estate and political factors rather than employee performance. Several participants emphasize that while AI can enhance individual output, industry-wide adoption often raises expectations, leading to more work rather than less, or even layoffs, necessitating new job search strategies optimized for AI-driven application screening.

Key takeaway

For AI/ML Directors evaluating AI integration, recognize that while AI can dramatically boost individual productivity, it often leads to increased output expectations rather than reduced hours. Your teams may experience burnout if not managed, and industry-wide adoption can normalize these gains, limiting individual compensation increases. Focus on strategic AI deployment to enhance overall organizational capability and manage employee workload expectations to prevent burnout.

Key insights

AI's impact on work varies, often increasing productivity and expectations rather than reducing hours.

Principles

• AI adoption raises productivity and expectation.
• Industry-wide AI adoption normalizes gains.
• AI can displace consulting teams.

Method

One user describes using AI to follow specific coding guides (ijustvibecodedthis.com) and taking credit for the output, effectively reducing their personal workload. Another uses AI to interact with Excel for data analysis, increasing output.

In practice

• Optimize job applications for AI screening.
• Utilize AI for data analysis in Excel.
• Manage AI tools like Claude for IT PM tasks.

Topics

• Artificial Intelligence Impact
• Workload Management
• Productivity Enhancement
• Workforce Layoffs
• Remote Work Policies

Best for: Executive, Entrepreneur, Director of AI/ML, Consultant, General Interest

Related on AIssential

• AI Isn’t Lightening Workloads. It’s Making Them More Intense. — AI integration is increasing work speed and complexity, potentially leading to overload despite productivity gains.
• Microsoft and Meta announce large staff reductions as they spend big on AI — Major tech companies are reducing staff while dramatically increasing AI investments, citing AI-driven productivity gains.
• Sycophancy, Ego Stroking, and the Limitations of Raw Compute — AI-driven productivity gains are primarily leading to labor extraction and reduced worker value, not improved quality of life.
• Current and former Block workers say AI can’t do their jobs after Jack Dorsey’s mass layoffs: ‘You can’t really AI that’ — AI productivity gains can lead to significant workforce reductions, raising employee concerns about job security.
• Using AI Means You Work the Same, or Longer — AI adoption in the legal sector increases work volume and complexity, not necessarily reducing hours.
• AI vs People Debate Rages as Block Cut 40% of Workforce — AI integration can drive significant productivity gains and organizational restructuring, impacting workforce size.

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Artificial Intelligence.