A major Quebec survey finds 5 flaws in the 'augmented work' myth
We're being promised a revolution. Artificial intelligence is said to make work both more productive and more enjoyable by freeing us from tedious tasks and allowing us to devote more time to what really matters. This is the narrative of "augmented work."
A recent study examining the impact of artificial intelligence on the workplace in Quebec has unveiled significant disparities in its effects. Led by the International Observatory on the Social Impacts of AI and Digital Technology (Obvia) in collaboration with 11 labor unions representing over 1.4 million members, the survey polled 4,595 union members in Quebec.
The research, published in The Conversation under a Creative Commons license, challenges the prevailing narrative that AI universally enhances work, revealing a more nuanced and context-dependent reality. While 44% of daily AI users reported productivity gains, 26% experienced reduced efficiency due to the technology. This divergence stems from the proliferation of "AI slop," or low-quality work generated by AI, leading to time-consuming rework, unreliable information, and confusing emails.
Despite the promise of lighter workloads, AI's impact varies. While 46% of users felt AI reduced their burden, nearly one in five (17%) felt it increased their workload, often resulting from additional cases or tasks. AI also proved ambivalent in terms of workplace stress, with 28% reporting reduced stress and 28% reporting increased stress.
The study highlights that AI's benefits are not distributed evenly across the labor market. Professionals and college graduates, who are often more comfortable using AI, reported higher productivity and greater involvement in decision-making. Conversely, technical, industrial, and service workers are more likely to experience algorithmic surveillance and diminished benefits.
Notably, only 24% of respondents reported AI policies within their organizations, and just 12% felt consulted before AI deployment. This lack of transparency and democratic input contributes to a 35% trust deficit in employers regarding AI initiatives. Moreover, nearly one in five participants (18%) expressed job insecurity concerns, a sentiment amplified by age and occupation, particularly in manufacturing and services sectors, as well as among those with lower educational qualifications.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
