Is AI a burden, a boost or both in the workplace, how do we navigate this new reality?

Introduction

AI has become the most talked about upgrade to the modern workplace. Some see it as a cheat sheet for productivity, while others feel it's a quiet threat breathing down their necks and I believe either reaction is valid.

However the truth likely sits somewhere in the middle, and understanding that tension is the only way businesses can use AI in a way that actually helps people rather than blindsides or distracts them with the latest and greatest tool.

A major advantage of AI

A major advantage of AI is that it's removing friction from the day to day operational inefficiencies. Repetitive admin, scheduling, writing up meeting notes, early research and data sorting are becoming faster and easier. The other side of that proverbial coin is that people are losing the foundational knowledge needed in a role, how to listen intently in a meeting, how to store and access data effectively etc.

How AI assists teams

But back onto its benefits, it assists teams in that they get to spend more time on work that involves judgment, context and relationships. Creating tangible value. It also means smaller teams can punch above their weight, which should be a win for both efficiency and job satisfaction, just look at a team like Gamma!

The shadow side of AI in the workplace

But that story has a shadow. Some jobs will shrink or reshape faster than people can adapt. Roles built on predictable tasks are already feeling the squeeze. Even knowledge workers who once felt safe are starting to wonder how much of their workflow is actually unique.

The bigger organisational issue

The bigger issue is that companies often implement AI before helping employees understand what it means for them. That breeds fear, quiet resistance and bad adoption, negatively affecting the organisation's culture before the benefits materialise.

AI and rising expectations

AI has raised the bar for output, causing at times an unjust level of pressure. If the average person can now produce twice as much in the same time, expectations quietly climb. Some workers feel like they're competing with a machine that never gets tired. Without guardrails, this pushes burnout instead of unlocking creativity.

Why this tension matters for leaders

This mix of hope and anxiety matters even more when you zoom out to how organisations operate. Leaders now have to make choices on skills, structure and data that affect their workforce for years. Ignore AI and you fall behind. Rush into it and you break trust.

The companies getting it right are the ones treating AI as a capability shift rather than a shortcut. They train people, redesign processes and make transparency part of the rollout. This takes time but definitely avoids chaos down the road.

What this means for founders

For founders building tech products, this tension is amplified. AI has lowered the barrier to building something, which is great, but it has also flooded the market with half formed ideas and copycat tools. Speed is now no longer the differentiator and "first to market" carries little weight. What is a differentiator is product market fit and clarity as to where you're headed. Founders need to learn where AI truly gives them an edge and where it creates false confidence.

Closing thoughts

If anything, AI is forcing a reset. It's changing work, culture and expectations. The winners who will claim victory in time to come will be those founders & businesses who see both sides of the coin and build with a clear head rather than hype.