Workers at OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta say AI is making their jobs harder, not easier

Major tech companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta, and Google are pushing AI tools as a means to streamline work. However, sources close to the industry reveal that the reality is quite different. Employees at these firms report grueling schedules, extended work hours, and an overwhelming sense of urgency to meet product deadlines.

Many work long hours, including weekend shifts, and face constant pressure to deliver results. Some former OpenAI and Anthropic employees have reported working over 90 hours a week during major development pushes. The workload is driven by the rapid pace of AI development, with companies racing to enhance models, build infrastructure, and integrate AI features into products.

Despite the promises of increased efficiency, the workload appears to be increasing, not decreasing. Meta workers have reported being abruptly transferred to AI teams with little input, often working late into the night and feeling constantly on-call. Google's internal systems have also faced strain as resources are redirected towards AI projects, leaving other teams to grapple with disruptions.

Former employees have described a negative culture characterized by excessive pressure and an inability to achieve work-life balance. While AI may make certain tasks faster, the overall impact appears to be a heavier workload and increased expectations for workers.