This article first appeared in Digital Edge, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on October 9, 2023 - October 15, 2023

The conversations surrounding the consequences of artificial intelligence (AI) for jobs, productivity and quality of life are in full swing. AI is not merely a future concept but a present reality shaping our workplaces. As its remarkable capabilities become increasingly integrated into professional environments, understanding its impact on employees’ work and lives becomes crucial.

In a first-of-a-kind study in the Asean region conducted by Asia School of Business (ASB), researchers set out to measure AI’s impact on work-life balance, job security and job satisfaction among employees in various industries.

The study employed a comprehensive survey-based research approach, gathering data from a diverse sample of 124 professionals across different sectors in Malaysia. The study’s participants were drawn from industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing and services. The sample included employees at different levels, from entry-level positions to top-level executives. The survey consisted of questions related to participants’ use of AI in the workplace, perceptions of work-life balance, job security and overall job satisfaction, all rated on a five-point Likert response scale.

Results based on independent sample T-tests show that employees who adopted AI at work reported a significantly higher level of work-life balance. Surprisingly, we found that employees using AI reported a significantly lower level of job insecurity. Intriguingly, we also found that this trend is even more pronounced among individuals at a higher seniority level. However, the study did not find a significant impact on job satisfaction among AI users compared with non-AI users.

The study comes at a pivotal time as businesses worldwide grapple with the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. While 54% of the 124 professionals surveyed reported regular use of AI in their roles, this advancement does not come without its concerns. The question of data security and potential leakage is one that many companies, including those in Malaysia, are contending with as they navigate this new technological landscape.

Despite these concerns, the evidence suggests that AI implementation can significantly enhance work-life balance and reduce job insecurity, particularly for senior professionals. These benefits provide a counterpoint to the challenges, underscoring the complex and multifaceted impact of AI on the modern workplace.

US-based cloud access solution provider Kisi in its study titled “Cities with the Best Work-Life Balance 2022” ranked Kuala Lumpur as the third most overworked city in the world, a fact that underscores the urgent need for improved work-life balance strategies in Malaysia. The co-authors believe the use of AI improves productivity, which leads to a reduction of long working hours, consequently leading to a better work-life balance.

In line with the key findings of our survey research, studies conducted in the US also indicate that early adoption of AI is linked to a host of professional benefits.

A notable example is a recent CNBC SurveyMonkey Workforce Survey, which showed that 44% of early AI adopters reported excellent opportunities to advance their careers in their respective companies, compared with only 24% among those who do not use AI at all. This suggests a potential correlation between AI adoption and professional advancement opportunities, supporting our finding that employees using AI reported a lower level of job insecurity.

The use of AI has a measurably higher impact on work-life balance for more senior employees, likely owing to elimination of menial drudgery. These tasks, which often consist of administrative and routine work, can add to the already-demanding schedules of senior employees, contributing to job fatigue and reduced work-life balance.

AI tools such as automated meeting schedulers, predictive email response and task management tools can significantly reduce the burden of these mundane tasks. By eliminating the tedium that grinds one down, AI tools can free up valuable time, allowing senior employees to focus more on their strategic responsibilities and less on administrative chores. This in turn helps alleviate job fatigue and improves their work-life balance.

According to researchers in organisational 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. The reduced sense of job insecurity reported by AI users in our study could be due to the professional advancement opportunities that come with AI skills and experience.

The ability to use and adapt to AI technologies is becoming a highly valued skill in today’s digital economy, leading to better job prospects and security. By embracing AI as part of work, companies could use this technology as a strategic tool for attracting and retaining top talent.

The integration of AI into workplaces brings transformative potential. The study conducted highlights AI’s positive impact on work-life balance and job security, especially for senior professionals. By recognising AI as a knowledge-work collaborator and embracing it strategically, businesses can navigate the AI revolution successfully, attract top talent and foster a culture of innovation. The time for action is now as AI’s multifaceted impact on the modern workplace continues to evolve.

Dr Wang Yi-Ren is the assistant professor of organisational behaviour at Asia School of Business (ASB), a higher education institution in collaboration with Bank Negara Malaysia and MIT Sloan School of Management. The research was led by ASB's Masters of Business Administration candidates, Alvin Tang, Mohammad Azhary Abdul Aziz, Aizatul Akmar Abu Talib, Chia Shiroo and supported by Dr Wang. 

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