AI doing 75 per cent of office tasks but employees have to work 5x more: Founder explains how automation increases workload

Automation driven by AI is increasingly taking over routine office tasks, with reports indicating it now handles as much as 75% of such work. However, a paradox has emerged where instead of reducing employee effort, workload has intensified, in some cases by as much as five times. According to insights from a company founder addressing this phenomenon, AI-powered automation accelerates the completion of tasks and enables employees to manage more assignments within the same timeframe, yet this leads to longer working hours rather than less. Workers become responsible for supervising and validating automated processes, handling exceptions, and performing higher-level activities that AI cannot manage. This shift reshapes job roles, often requiring more skill and expertise but also increasing pressure and workload.

While AI automation promises substantial productivity gains — freeing staff from repetitive tasks and improving decision-making speed — the real impact is nuanced. Businesses experience efficiency improvements and cost reductions, but employees may face the challenge of adapting to new workflows and managing expanded responsibilities. Studies have shown that AI-enhanced workflows create a cycle of continuous task improvement, yet human oversight remains critical, often raising job demands. This situation highlights the importance of thoughtful implementation of AI in workplaces and the need for change management strategies that support employees as their roles evolve. Embracing AI is less about replacing workers and more about transforming work, though the balance between automation benefits and human workload requires careful management.