Pre-GPT | Workers are becoming nostalgic for life before generative AI

A wave of pre-AI nostalgia is sweeping through the modern workplace, with new research revealing that two-thirds (65%) of knowledge workers regularly feel nostalgic for how work operated before generative AI. More than a third (38%) say they would remove GenAI tools from the world entirely if they had the chance.

The research, from digital transformation consultancy Adaptavist, surveyed 2,500 professionals across the UK, US, Canada, Germany and Spain. It found that, rather than freeing workers from drudgery, AI has introduced new pressures, eroded the value of skilled work and left employees feeling less engaged and less valued than before.

Nearly a third (30%) of respondents said they preferred how work operated before GenAI tools were widely adopted, with a further 26% expressing no preference either way.

The desire to turn back the clock is stronger among younger workers. Two in five (40%) Gen Z and Millennial workers say they would remove GenAI from the world, compared with 32% of Gen X and 29% of Boomers.