AI Brings Productivity Gains and New Workplace Risks

AI adoption in the workplace is accelerating, with enterprises rapidly deploying agentic AI systems to drive business outcomes. Reports show that 99% of developers save time with AI tools, and 68% save at least 10 hours per week, though productivity gains are limited by friction in non-coding tasks and organizational challenges. Poorly implemented AI can cause inefficiencies, necessitating extra review and potentially damaging client relationships. In HR, the use of AI-driven recruiters is making hiring more impersonal, and the emergence of deepfake applicants is creating new security risks. A recent study in Nature finds no significant negative effects of AI on employee wellbeing, with some improvements in physical health, but experts recommend ongoing monitoring as AI's workplace influence grows. The ultimate impact of AI depends on thoughtful integration and robust institutional policies.