Despite the promise of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance workplace efficiency, many employees in the UAE are experiencing increased workloads rather than relief. A recent report indicates that while a significant majority of professionals are optimistic about AI’s potential, the reality is that their responsibilities have grown, raising concerns about employee wellbeing and productivity.
AI’s Impact on Workloads in the UAE
According to the Korn Ferry UAE Workforce Report 2026, which surveyed 500 professionals, 70 percent of employees have reported a significant increase in their workloads over the past two years. While 76 percent express excitement about AI’s transformative potential, the pressure to deliver more has intensified. This situation presents a dilemma: as AI automates repetitive tasks, are employees truly benefiting from these efficiency gains, or are they simply being tasked with more work?
Nageeba Suleman Aboobacker, a senior manager in People and Culture at Hotpack, emphasizes the need for organizations to ensure that the introduction of AI does not lead to additional responsibilities. She advocates for a balanced approach that prioritizes employee wellbeing alongside efficiency. Aboobacker suggests that human resources teams should collaborate with business leaders to review workloads and set realistic expectations, focusing on the quality of work rather than just output.
Key Facts
- 76% of UAE employees are excited about AI’s impact on their work.
- 70% of employees report a significant increase in workload over the past two years.
- 72% of employees feel they have more opportunities to innovate compared to a year ago.
- AI can automate repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on more meaningful work.
- Regular feedback is essential for HR to determine whether AI is alleviating or adding to employee pressure.
Understanding the Implications for Employees
For UAE residents and businesses, the findings highlight the critical need to rethink how AI is integrated into workflows. While AI has the potential to streamline operations and enhance productivity, it is essential for organizations to avoid simply filling the time saved with additional tasks. Experts suggest that companies should focus on using AI to eliminate tedious responsibilities, allowing employees to engage in work that requires human insight and interaction.
Aws Ismail, co-founder of Onyx AI Solutions, points out that the challenge often lies in management practices rather than the technology itself. He argues that if companies do not adjust their expectations and continue to measure performance based solely on output, the benefits of AI will not be realized. Instead, businesses should assess the value employees add and prioritize their wellbeing.
Shabeel Ummer, head of HR at V Group International, shares a positive perspective, noting that AI has helped employees reclaim valuable time. By using AI for tasks like drafting and report preparation, employees can focus on customer engagement and teamwork. He emphasizes the importance of redefining productivity metrics to prioritize the quality of work over the quantity of tasks completed.
What Happens Next
- Organizations should evaluate how AI is being utilized and its impact on employee workloads.
- HR teams need to foster open communication with employees to identify areas where AI can alleviate pressure.
- Companies must establish clear guidelines on how to effectively integrate AI without overwhelming staff.
The ongoing integration of AI in the workplace presents both opportunities and challenges for UAE employees, necessitating a thoughtful approach to ensure that technological advancements enhance rather than hinder productivity and wellbeing.