Should You Treat AI Like a Teammate?

2026-05-12 · Source: Feeds - HBR.org · Field: Business & Management — Human Resources & Workforce Development, Corporate Strategy & Leadership · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

New research indicates that anthropomorphizing AI by treating it as an employee can provoke job security anxieties and professional identity crises among human workers. While leaders frequently adopt this approach to make AI seem more accessible, the study suggests it has unintended negative consequences on employee morale and perception of their roles. This finding challenges the common practice of framing AI as a "teammate" or "colleague," highlighting the psychological impact of such framing on the human workforce. The research, published in HBR on May 12, 2026, advises a reevaluation of how organizations integrate and communicate about AI within their teams.

Key takeaway

For executives integrating AI into their workforce, you should avoid framing AI as a "teammate" or "employee." This approach, while seemingly benign, can inadvertently trigger job security concerns and professional identity crises among your human staff. Instead, focus on communicating AI's role as a tool or augmentation to mitigate negative psychological impacts and foster a more secure work environment.

Key insights

Treating AI as an employee can negatively impact human workers' job security and professional identity.

Principles

• Anthropomorphizing AI has unintended consequences.
• Framing AI affects human worker psychology.

In practice

• Re-evaluate AI integration communication.
• Avoid "AI as teammate" framing.

Topics

• AI Integration
• Anthropomorphism
• Job Security
• Professional Identity
• Workplace AI

Best for: Executive, Director of AI/ML, VP of Engineering/Data, HR Professional

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Feeds - HBR.org.