The fear of AI replacing humans, leading to our extinction has been a theme for years. Elon Musk referred to ChatGPT as, “One of the biggest risks to the future of civilization,” when he spoke at the 2023 World Government Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Even creators like Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, expressed concerns that it could be used in ways that can cause significant harm to the world. Initially, leaders were asking if AI would revolutionize how we work or would it destroy the fabric of humanity. Now, years later, a new study shows that AI is as much a shield as a sword–that AI is can improve work-life balance.
Are Robots Invading Or Inventing Work-Life Balance?
In 2024, experts predicted that AI would play a significant role in shaping the future of the workplace. As AI slowly infiltrates and transforms the how we work, it’s stoking fears of replacing humans, taking over decision-making and eliminating jobs.
According to the 2023 AI Employment Impact Report, automation snatched up many jobs in 2023. And it projected that AI would seize even more jobs from humans in 2024. “AI may not replace all of us, but it will certainly become a centerpiece of our daily work lives and reduce the number of roles available for people,” said Aaron Case, CPRW & CV expert at CV Genius. “This report makes painfully clear that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is in full effect and underscores how important it is that human workers adapt.”
A 2025 Monster poll finds that 52% Of U.S. employees fear AI could take their jobs. But recent studies also are showing that AI is helping instead of hindering productivity for most people. Even in situations where it’s eliminating jobs, it’s simultaneously inventing new ones.
In January 2025, for example, AI eliminated over seven thousand jobs from 31 major tech companies. Tens of thousands of highly skilled tech workers faced unexpected layoffs as AI and automation disrupted traditional software engineering, IT and product management. But it was good news in disguise. Laid-off tech workers have been pivoting careers amid ongoing AI-driven layoffs, finding six-figure salaries and flourishing careers in unexpected sectors.
As managers rise through the ranks, making decisions may seem like their primary responsibility. But a Harris Poll commissioned by The Grossman Group found 63% of managers feel burned out or disengaged year-round, with decision fatigue only worsening the problem. But in 2025, automation has offered a timely solution to help managers reduce decision fatigue of the past and improve their effectiveness.
I spoke with Jason Bodin, executive vice president of marketing and communications at Paycom, who describes how his company uses AI software to help leaders tackle the tedious daily task of managing time-off requests. “For these repetitive tasks, automation can give leaders precious time back and reduce the mental load of decisions. This also has a ripple effect across the organization as it provides instant clarity and reduces additional conversations from leaders to other departments as they seek answers to better understand policies or threshold requirements.”
Bodin also underscores how AI helps with decision fatigue. “One of the only ways to help leaders with decision fatigue is technology, and we see that in automation advancements, which is a powerful tool for reducing decision fatigue. When used thoughtfully and strategically, automated technology can not only lift the burden of manual tasks, no matter your industry or company size, but it can also decrease the number of decisions leaders have to make.”
More good news. The Tech.co’s Impact of Technology on the Workplace Report also shows that 61% of business leaders say AI’s automated tasks has improved their work-life balance as a result of five outcomes.
1. More free time
2. Greater productivity
3. Time to tackle more complex or strategic-level tasks
4. Higher return on investment
5. Facilitation of the four-day workweek
Survey data reveals that 93% of businesses using AI are open to a 4-day work week, compared to 44% of businesses that don’t use AI. Findings from last year’s report showed that 72% of business leaders who used AI extensively reported high organizational productivity.
The survey of 1,036 business leaders identifies the most common ways AI is being used:
* 43% writing tasks (such as emails, reports, and presentations)
* 37% data analysis
* 33% customer support and chatbots
* 25% design tasks (i.e. creating images and graphics)
“For all the fears of AI replacing jobs, Tech.co’s latest research has found that the technology is actually helping many of us with time consuming tasks such as writing and data analysis,” explains Jack Turner, editor of Tech.co. He points out that this is easing the pressure on workers, and increasing productivity.”
A Final Takeaway on AI And Work-Life Balance
While fear of AI had many leaders and employees shaking in their boots, studies show that AI is a big asset for work-life balance. “Just as the introduction of the assembly line allowed Henry Ford to revolutionize mass production methods and introduce a five-day week for employees, AI could well prove the next logical step, and pave the way for the four-day week,” Turner asserts. “We already know that companies which use AI are more likely to consider shortening the work week than those who don’t.”
Arianna Huffington, founder and CEO of Thrive Global told me how AI can improve our well-being. “In the growing debate around AI, there’s one possibility that’s not getting a lot of oxygen: the very big question of how we can use AI not just to perform things for humans, but connect more fully with what it means to be human,” she pointed out. “AI is ultimately a tool, and its impact will depend on how humanity uses it. The more we can use this moment to bring together a critical mass of people working in good faith and with empathy, the more likely it is that humanity will use AI to flourish.”
The new research that AI is improving work-life balance among business leaders corroborates Huffington’s position.