GenAI boosts workplace productivity, but drains motivation: HBR study
MASSACHUSETTS, UNITED STATES — A recent study published by Harvard Business Review (HBR) reveals that while generative AI (GenAI) is transforming workplace productivity, it may come at a psychological cost.
Researchers Yukun Liu, Suqing Wu, Mengqi Ruan, Siyu Chen, and Xiao-Yun Xie studied over 3,500 professionals and found that collaborating with GenAI tools improved the quality and efficiency of tasks such as writing performance reviews, brainstorming, and drafting emails.
For example, performance reviews created with GenAI were “significantly longer, more analytical, and demonstrated a more helpful tone,” and emails were “warmer, more personable… containing more expressions of encouragement, empathy, and social connection.”
However, employees who used GenAI for one task and then switched to a non-AI task reported an 11% drop in intrinsic motivation and a 20% increase in boredom.
“While using GenAI tools can feel productive and empowering at first, it may leave workers feeling less engaged when they shift to tasks that don’t involve AI support—a common reality in workflows where not every task can or should be AI-assisted,” the researchers noted.
AI use linked to lower motivation, increased boredom
The research suggests that GenAI often removes the most challenging and stimulating parts of a task—those that make work meaningful. When AI generates much of the content, employees may feel disconnected and less in control.
The study found that “GenAI collaboration initially reduces workers’ sense of control-the feeling of being the primary agent of their work.” Although returning to solo work restores this autonomy, it often comes “at the cost of enjoyment.”
Over time, this shift can lead to disengagement, lower job satisfaction, and even burnout. Increased boredom after AI use, the researchers warn, could signal deeper motivational issues ahead.
Balance AI productivity with human engagement
The authors emphasize that abandoning GenAI is not the answer. Instead, they recommend redesigning workflows to preserve human motivation while leveraging AI’s strengths. Key strategies include:
- Blending AI and human input, such as using AI for outlines and humans for personalization.
- Designing engaging solo tasks that foster autonomy and creativity.
- Making AI collaboration transparent so workers feel ownership.
- Rotating between AI-assisted and independent tasks to balance efficiency and engagement.
- Training employees to use AI thoughtfully, emphasizing when human judgment should take precedence.
“By thoughtfully designing workflows that integrate GenAI, businesses can unlock its benefits without compromising workers’ motivation and engagement,” the researchers conclude.
“The future of work isn’t just about what AI can do—it’s about what humans and AI can achieve together.”
