AI eats leisure time, makes employees work more, study finds

Steven

AI eats leisure time, makes employees work more, study finds

Summary

Researchers analysed US time-use data and occupational AI exposure to test how generative AI (notably ChatGPT since 2022) has affected working hours. Using the American Time Use Survey (ATUS) spanning 2004–2023 and an AI-exposure measure for occupations, they find that workers in roles more exposed to generative AI now work longer and enjoy less leisure. The paper attributes the change to productivity gains that are captured by firms and consumers rather than being shared with employees, and to increased use of AI-enabled surveillance that enforces longer hours.

Key Points

  • Study used ATUS data (2004–2023) linked with occupational exposure to generative AI.
  • After ChatGPT’s arrival in 2022, an interquartile increase in AI exposure corresponded to ~3.15 extra hours of work per week and a ~3.20-hour reduction in weekly leisure.
  • AI-driven productivity gains appear to be captured mainly by firms and consumers, not workers — especially in competitive labour markets.
  • AI-enabled monitoring of remote workers is associated with longer hours post-pandemic; this effect is not seen among the self-employed.
  • AI-exposed workers may earn higher wages on average but report lower job satisfaction.

Context and relevance

This paper speaks directly to ongoing debates about whether AI will free workers or simply extract more from them. It complements other studies that question the productivity payoff of AI tools by showing that even where productivity rises, distributional effects matter — the gains may not reach the workforce. The findings are relevant to HR leaders, policymakers, trade unions and anyone using AI tooling at work: they highlight potential unintended consequences like longer hours, reduced leisure and morale issues driven by surveillance and bargaining dynamics.

Why should I read this?

Because if you use AI at work (or manage people who do), this study explains why your day might be getting longer even if your output is rising. It’s a quick way to spot the policy and people risks behind shiny AI promises — worth five minutes of your time if you care about fair work and workplace design.

Source

Source: https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2025/10/21/ai_eats_leisure_time/