The Times Australia
Small Business News

.
Men's Weekly

.

Is AI setting us up to be lonely at work?

  • Written by Amanda Gordon, Workplace Psychologist at Indeed


As a psychologist, I speak daily with professionals about their workplace challenges and concerns, and conversations about the use of AI in the workplace have been on the rise.

Among the people I speak with, there is growing concern that despite the remarkable efficiency and convenience AI tools offer, AI might be causing a significant shift in workplace dynamics - potentially setting us up for increased loneliness at work.

A survey by job site Indeed found that over half (56%) of white-collar workers currently use AI tools to help them do their workthat’s almost 4 million professionals.  Within this group, approximately 1.5 million (40%) use AI specifically to reduce interaction with colleagues. More than a million (29%) trust AI more than their co-workers, and a fifth admit to liking AI more than the people they work with.  

This response to AI is alarming. It suggests that AI is increasingly taking on roles that were traditionally filled by human mentors and confidants. For instance, three in five (59%) white-collar AI users seek help from AI for difficult conversations at least once a week, more than half (54%) vent to AI about work problems, and 47% opt for casual conversations with AI instead of with co-workers.

This trend raises critical questions about the future of human connections in the workplace. While concerns about AI have often focused on job displacement, the immediate impact on interpersonal relationships could be just as significant.

With many workplaces now using a hybrid work model, we've lost the likelihood of the ‘water cooler moment’. These informal conversations - either in the form of an incidental chat about life outside work, or an inspirational conversation that fuels work-based creativity - are significant to supporting workplace happiness, wellbeing and engagement.

It’s well known that employees who maintain strong relationships with their co-workers generally report higher levels of job satisfaction and the use of AI in the workplace mustn’t impede this.

As we continue to integrate AI into our professional lives, we must remain vigilant about its impact on our social interactions. Ensuring that AI enhances rather than undermines our workplace relationships is key to ensuring that our work makes our lives better rather than worse.

How to maintain relationships while using AI at work

Encourage Face-to-Face Interaction

Workplace relationships are a key to happiness. Even if you are working away from other members of your team, have coffee breaks and lunch at the same time, and catch up over the phone, so that you feel connected and involved in their lives too. Encourage regular team meetings, in-person collaboration, and social activities to build strong relationships among employees. Creating opportunities for face-to-face interaction can counteract the isolating effects of using AI.

Promote a Balanced Use of AI

Using AI tools for efficiency may be appropriate, but employees must also be encouraged to rely on human colleagues for support, advice, and social interaction. To be happy at work, we must use AI as a tool to support human capabilities, not replace them - especially as they are not a good replacement because they lead to negative emotions.

Invest in Employee Wellbeing Programs

Supporting employees holistically can create a more connected and resilient workforce. Offer resources such as counselling services, workshops on building interpersonal skills, and initiatives that promote mental health and wellbeing. This may encourage those who might turn to AI when feeling lonely or withdrawn, to seek help from colleagues and professionals.

As we continue to integrate AI into our professional lives, we must remain vigilant about its potential to influence the culture of our workplaces. The use of AI tools should never come at the expense of human connections. Ensuring that AI enhances rather than undermines the relationships we have with colleagues is key to ensuring a future where we remain engaged, supported, fulfilled and happy in work.

Property Times

Choosing the Wrong Agent Is the #1 Regret Among Aussie Property Sellers

Selling your home is often one of the largest financial transactions you’ll make, and for many Australians, it’s also one of the most emotional. A new survey of Australian home sellers has revealed that their number one regret is having not selected...

Vietnam's "Gold Coast" Emerges as Extraordinary Investment Frontier and Australian Inspired Way of Life

$2 Billion super-city in Vung Tau set to replicate Australia's Gold Coast success story A culturally metamorphic development aptly named "Gold Coast" is set to reshape Vietnam's southern coast below Ho Chi Minh City, becoming a major investment...

First Home Buyers in Melbourne: 3 Key Statistics Proving Why Home & Land Packages Are Your Best Bet in 2025

Stepping into the Melbourne property market for the first time can feel like navigating a maze without a map. Prices, deposits, and decisions stack up fast. But here’s the good news: home and land packages are helping first home buyers get ahead in...

Off-the-Plan Sales Launched for $22 Million Ultra-Luxury Project ‘Vellora’ Set to Redefine Luxury Living in Brisbane’s St Lucia

A new standard of architectural distinction and elevated living is taking shape in one of Brisbane’s most coveted riverside suburbs, with off-the-plan sales officially launching for Vellora last night at an exclusive buyers’ event at The Powerh...

Food & Dining

International lager claims crown as Australia’s most preferred beer

Launching its inaugural ‘Brand Map of Australia’, Tracksuit reveals Corona as the nation’s most preferred beer  Sydney, Thursday, 29 May 2025 - From iconic mass-produced lagers to innovative craft brews, beer is woven into the fabric of Australi...

Hundreds line up in Sydney to try viral crispy chicken

Pappa Flock’s crispy crunch causes a frenzy in Bondi JunctionBondi Junction officially has chicken fever. Sydneysiders turned out in flocks over the weekend, with queues forming from 5AM - a full seven hours before doors opened - to be among the firs...

Unique Types of Food You'll Get to Try in Australia

The Australian food experience is a combination of Aboriginal traditions, recipes from British colonies, and the tastes of global food trends today. Besides traditional food, Australia offers visitors the chance to try unique food experiences that ...

From Home Kitchen to Coles: Ballarat Food Startup Makes Middle Eastern Cooking Easy

Exotic Bazaar brings regional innovation and migrant entrepreneurship to supermarket shelves A Ballarat-based food startup is celebrating a major milestone after Coles picked up its range of Middle Eastern recipe bases for national distribution. Ex...

Business Times

Launchd Acquires Huume, Strengthening Creative Firepower Across T…

Launchd, a leader in talent, technology and brand partnerships, has announced its acquisition of influencer talent manage...

Experts urge Australian businesses to prioritise cybersecurity

ACT NOW OR PAY MILLIONS LATER: PRIORITISE CYBERSECURITY TO  PREVENT CATASTROPHIC BUSINESS LOSSES  Australia’s leading cyb...

From Idea to Execution: Key Tips for B2B Business Launches

Launching a business-to-business (B2B) enterprise is no small feat. It requires a clear understanding of the market, a robu...

The Times Features

Running Across Australia: What Really Holds the Body Together?

How William Goodge’s 3,800km run reveals the connection between movement, mindset, and mental resilience As a business owner, I’ve come to realise that the biggest wins rarely com...

Telehealth is Transforming Healthcare Services in Australia

It has traditionally not been easy to access timely healthcare in Australia, particularly for people who live in remote areas. Many of them spend hours on the road just to see a...

Launchd Acquires Huume, Strengthening Creative Firepower Across Talent-Led Marketing

Launchd, a leader in talent, technology and brand partnerships, has announced its acquisition of influencer talent management agency Huume from IZEA. The move comes as the medi...

Vietnam's "Gold Coast" Emerges as Extraordinary Investment Frontier and Australian Inspired Way of Life

$2 Billion super-city in Vung Tau set to replicate Australia's Gold Coast success story A culturally metamorphic development aptly named "Gold Coast" is set to reshape Vietna...

Choosing the Wrong Agent Is the #1 Regret Among Aussie Property Sellers

Selling your home is often one of the largest financial transactions you’ll make, and for many Australians, it’s also one of the most emotional. A new survey of Australian home se...

Travel Insurance for Families: What Does it Cover and Why it’s Essential

Planning a family trip is exciting, but unexpected mishaps can turn your dream vacation into a stressful ordeal. That’s where travel insurance comes in—it’s your safety net when ...