The findings of this study were first revealed at an America Walks. Specifically, it shares the first ever research findings that showcase how artificial intelligence (AI) tools are changing the day-to-day work behavior of software developers. Our research included more than 40 in-depth interviews with expert developers. To their surprise, they found that AI tools won’t lessen their burdens—rather just the opposite, these tools might translate to more hours and a growing list of tasks.
The notion of AI as a job taker has really taken root in American work culture. Largely surrounding this fear, the AI discourse today has become dominated by alarmism. Rather, it was the people developing tools with AI who felt a productivity boost, thinking they were achieving tasks 20% faster. However, the reality was quite different. In a similar test last summer, these same developers had been dealt a blow. In fact, they were 19% slower on average while completing their tasks with AI assistance.
As developers adopted AI into their workflows, the challenges at hand only grew. AI was supposed to save time, but work hours haven’t decreased. Instead, workers stared at their task lists stretching to occupy each new hour that AI cleared. This phenomenon stretched well beyond the traditional confines of the workday, frequently spilling over into lunch hours and late nights. One engineer articulated a sentiment echoed by many: “AI was expected to save time and allow for less work.”
Despite the apparent frustrations stemming from this expanded workload, it is noteworthy that no employees felt pressured to perform under these new conditions. In fact, the industry has spent the past three years selling us a story on how AI would make our workplaces better. Millions of hopeful people are primed to accept AI’s extraordinary promise. The results suggest that reality may fall short of those lofty aspirations.
Our research offers new insights into the alarm that’s been sounded over the consequences of AI on work-life balance. Instead, companies tout AI as a time-saving solution. For developers, it’s a cycle of increasing demands. Employees were hoping AI would ease their burden. Instead, they continue to work more hours without any reduction in work.
This paradox raises fundamental questions. How can organizations maximize the potential of AI technology, while still taking care of their employees and providing a healthy work-life balance? While we can’t deny the initial enthusiasm promises of AI tools, getting caught in that excitement without considering the real-world effects would be a mistake.