AI越普及，打工人越忙

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the paradox of AI's efficiency in the workplace, highlighting that while AI tools are designed to make work easier, they often lead to increased workloads and faster-paced environments for employees [4][5][6]. Group 1: Impact of AI on Workload - A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) indicates that for every 1 percentile increase in AI exposure, weekly working hours increase by 0.063 hours, while leisure time decreases by 0.064 hours [5]. - Employees with high AI exposure experience an average increase of 3.15 hours in weekly working hours [5]. - The perception that AI simplifies work is misleading, as it often results in a relentless "acceleration race" where project timelines are shortened and competition intensifies [6][10]. Group 2: Experiences of Middle Management - Middle managers, like Leon from an advertising agency, find themselves cleaning up the mess left by AI-generated content, which often lacks quality and coherence [9][10]. - The reliance on AI has shifted the role of creative professionals from generating ideas to sifting through AI outputs, leading to increased time spent on quality control rather than creative processes [10][11]. - New entrants to the workforce are particularly affected, skipping essential creative thinking processes and relying heavily on AI, which may hinder their long-term development [11][15]. Group 3: High-Performing Employees - Employees like Xin Xin, who embrace AI tools, report increased workloads but also find satisfaction in their ability to accomplish more tasks efficiently [18][19]. - The integration of AI into workflows allows for significant time savings, enabling employees to take on additional responsibilities and projects [19][20]. - There is a strong sense of urgency among employees to adapt to AI technologies, as those who do not may risk being left behind in a rapidly evolving job market [21][22]. Group 4: Business Transformation through AI - Business leaders, such as Tang Chengjia in the e-commerce sector, recognize the necessity of integrating AI to survive in a competitive landscape, leading to significant operational restructuring [23][24]. - Tang's company reduced its workforce from 80 to under 20 while maintaining business volume, demonstrating AI's potential to streamline operations and reduce costs [30]. - The shift towards hiring less experienced employees who can be trained to use AI effectively reflects a changing workforce dynamic, prioritizing adaptability over traditional experience [31][32].