Is ChatGPT Creating MORE Work?

2026-03-12 · Source: Matt Wolfe · Field: Business & Management — Operations & Process Management, Corporate Strategy & Leadership · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

A Harvard Business Review study, conducted over eight months at a 200-employee US technology company, found that AI implementation intensified rather than reduced work. The research indicated that employees expanded their task loads, undertaking work previously outsourced, deferred, or avoided, as AI significantly reduced the time required for existing tasks. This efficiency gain led to individuals stacking additional responsibilities. Furthermore, AI introduced a new work rhythm characterized by increased multitasking and heightened expectations for speed, driven by the normalization of faster work processes rather than explicit managerial demands. This shift in work dynamics is increasingly felt by those regularly immersed in AI technologies.

Key takeaway

For Product Managers overseeing AI tool integration, recognize that AI may increase, not decrease, employee workload and multitasking. Your teams might take on more tasks and face higher speed expectations. Proactively define boundaries for AI-assisted work and monitor for signs of burnout to ensure sustainable productivity and employee well-being.

Key insights

AI adoption expands task loads and intensifies work by increasing multitasking and speed expectations.

Principles

• Efficiency gains lead to task expansion
• AI normalizes faster work rhythms

In practice

• Monitor task creep post-AI adoption
• Assess impact on employee multitasking

Topics

• AI Impact on Work
• Work Intensification
• Task Expansion
• Multitasking
• Productivity Expectations

Best for: Product Manager, Executive, AI Product Manager, Consultant

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Matt Wolfe.