Conversations about the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on jobs, productivity, and quality of life are becoming more common.
AI is more than a futuristic notion; it is increasingly influencing our workplaces. As its extraordinary capabilities become more incorporated into professional settings, it is critical to comprehend their impact on employees’ work and lives.
The Asia School of Business (ASB) performed a study in the Asean region to assess the influence of AI on work-life balance, job security, and job satisfaction among employees in various industries.
The study used a comprehensive survey-based research approach to collect data from a diverse sample of 124 Malaysian professionals from various sectors. Participants in the survey came from a variety of industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and services. Employees at various levels were included in the sample, ranging from entry-level roles to top-level executives. The study included questions about participants’ usage of AI in the workplace, work-life balance perceptions, job security, and overall job happiness, all of which were assessed on a five-point Likert scale.
Improved work-life balance and reduced job insecurity
According to the findings of independent sample T-tests, employees who used AI at work reported a much higher level of work-life balance and reported much reduced levels of job insecurity. This trend is considerably more prevalent among those with more seniority. However, the study found no significant difference in job satisfaction between AI users and non-AI users.
Navigating challenges and embracing opportunities
The report comes at a critical juncture in business as companies around the world grapple with the challenges and opportunities posed by AI. While 54% of the 124 professionals polled said they utilize AI on a regular basis, this advancement is not without its drawbacks. Many firms, including those in Malaysia, are grappling with the issue of data security and potential leaks as they navigate this new technology landscape.
Despite these reservations, evidence suggests that AI deployment can improve work-life balance and minimize job instability, especially for senior people. These benefits provide a counter-point to the challenges, underscoring the complex and multifaceted impact of AI on the modern workplace.
In a report titled “Cities with the Best Work-Life Balance 2022,” US-based cloud access solution provider Kisi ranked Kuala Lumpur as the third most overworked city in the world, highlighting the urgent need for improved work-life balance strategies in Malaysia. The co-authors feel that using AI enhances productivity, which leads to fewer long work hours and, as a result, a better work-life balance.
Positive impact on career advancement and talent retention
In line with the primary findings of our survey research, investigations conducted in the United States show that early adoption of AI is associated with a host of professional advantages.
A recent CNBC SurveyMonkey Workforce Survey found that 44% of early AI adopters cited excellent chances for advancement in their individual firms, compared to only 24% of those who do not utilize AI at all. This shows a possible link between AI usage and professional progression opportunities, which supports the findings that employees who used AI experienced less job instability.
Power of AI in enhancing work-life balance
AI has a significantly greater impact on work-life balance for more senior individuals, potentially leading to the elimination of mundane labor. These activities, which frequently consist of administrative and mundane work, can add to senior employees’ already demanding schedules, contributing to job fatigue and a lack of work-life balance.
Artificial intelligence (AI) applications like automatic meeting schedulers, predictive email responses, and task management software can dramatically lessen the load of these routine chores. AI solutions can free up important time by reducing the tedium that grinds one down, allowing senior staff to focus more on strategic responsibilities and less on administrative tasks. This, in turn, reduces job fatigue and enhances work-life balance.
According to researchers in organizational behaviour, employees with a better balance between work and life are better at performing, learning, innovating and relating to others at work.
These findings offer valuable insights for business leaders. The adoption of AI is not merely a matter of advancing productivity; it is a strategic decision that could facilitate talent retention and shape a positive workplace culture.
A healthier work-life balance is a strong factor in employee retention, and companies that promote such a balance tend to experience lower employee turnover rates.
