Perception vs reality | Is the implementation of AI at work making workers 'lazy'?

There are few subjects that divide professionals more than the utilisation of AI in working life. The technology is moving at lightning speed, with many of the world’s largest tech giants, such as Google, Meta and Microsoft vying for competition in what has become a vibrant marketplace of innovation.

However, unlike much of the technological fabric of working life, this is a brand new horizon, and very few (even tech evangelists, so it seems) know exactly how the implementation of AI will affect the future of mankind, let alone how we work.

While AI promises to streamline workflows and boost efficiency, one of the primary concerns that many businesses seem to currently hold is that it may inadvertently encourage laziness among employees. But is this really true?

Whether it’s true or not, it’s a perception that’s prevalent in the minds of workers. According to Asana's ‘The State of AI at Work’ report, 26% of surveyed workers express apprehension about being perceived as lazy for using AI, while one in five employees admits to feeling like impostors when relying on this technology. Even more alarmingly, a staggering 92% of respondents are concerned about the unethical use of AI.