Is AI setting us up to be lonely at work?

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 work一that’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.