In fact, AI is increasing the workload of most employees. Tools increase the amount of time it takes to do simple tasks and actually take away from high-concentration work. Since introducing AI into our workflows, time spent on all job functions has skyrocketed from 27% to 346%. According to a recent ActivTrak report that analyzed 10,584 users in the 180 days before and after AI implementation.
Time spent on menial tasks like email increased by 104%, chat and messaging increased by 145%, and time spent using business management tools increased by 94%.
There wasn’t a single activity category where the use of AI actually saved users time. The report reaffirms that “the data is clear: AI does not reduce workload.” Instead, professionals now multitask at higher rates and spend less time each day focusing on complex problems.
“A common assumption about AI and modern work is that both make the workday lighter, shorter, and more manageable. AI handles repetitive tasks, collaboration tools reduce friction, and employees can get more done with less effort,” the ActivTrak report states.
“That’s a compelling story, and that’s not what the behavioral data show.”
Even though CEOs promise that AI will increase that time, employees have had to sacrifice time to actually think deeply in order to fit these long routine tasks into their workdays. According to the report, average uninterrupted work hours decreased by 9%, and focused work hours decreased by an additional 2%. This is a continuation of a three-year downward trend, with the percentage of time spent “in the zone” dropping to 60% in 2025.
CEOs say AI tools will bring about a wave of efficiency and even shorter work weeks
Tech leaders racing to win the AI race are spreading daydream-like predictions about the world’s future.
Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, predicted that with just four years until a “golden age” of prosperity, technology will help us “colonize the galaxy” and make people “superhuman” in their roles. xAI founder Elon Musk also likens work to a hobby and believes that new tools will make traditional jobs completely voluntary in the next 10 to 15 years. And if AI continues to evolve at this rate, “money will become meaningless.”
“My prediction is that work is going to be voluntary. It’s going to be like playing sports or playing video games or something,” Musk said at the US-Saudi Investment Forum in Washington this year.
“If you want to work, [it’s] “In the same way, you can go to the store and buy vegetables, or you can grow vegetables in your backyard. It’s much more difficult to grow vegetables in your backyard, but some people like to grow vegetables and still grow them,” he continued.
Leaders even speculate that the efficiency gains from AI could be so large that the workweek could be shortened overall. Zoom CEO Eric Yuan predicts that AI will reduce the workload so staff will only be in the office a few days a week.
“If AI can improve all of our lives, why do we need to work five days a week?” Yuan said. new york times last year. “We support every company three or four days a week. I think this ultimately frees up everyone’s time.”
Workers are dealing with ‘AI brain flies’ and burnout
While some employees may be lucky enough to be more productive using AI tools, they may be experiencing burnout.
As employees become more efficient, their daily workload increases, which can lead to burnout, according to a study published this year by the University of California, Berkeley. Busy with a variety of tasks, they are using the time they would normally spend taking natural breaks to complete more AI prompts. Employees need time to recharge. If you don’t, you run the risk of actually decreasing your productivity.
“AI brain confusion” is also emerging as an issue in technologically advanced workplaces. According to a 2026 study by Boston Consulting Group, employees are overwhelmed by increased scrutiny of AI tools and are experiencing increased mental fatigue. And the data showed that the number of AI tools does not necessarily translate into increased productivity. Those who used three or fewer AI tools self-reported increased efficiency, while those who used four or more experienced a significant decrease in efficiency.
“People were using this tool to accomplish more, but they also felt like they were reaching the limits of their brain power, with too many decisions to make,” said study author Julie Bedard, managing director and partner at Boston Consulting Group. luck this year. “Things were happening so fast that they didn’t have the cognitive capacity to process all the information and make all the decisions.”
