AI fear is driving employees to slack off, show up late, and even steal coworker lunches

As more businesses adopt artificial intelligence, some employees, who are increasingly worried about losing their jobs, are starting to act out. That’s the finding of a new study from Washington State University (WSU) researchers, published in the journal Occupational Health Science, which looks at how AI adoption at work is affecting workers’ attitudes and behaviors in the office. Research has shown that the increase of AI-based technologies such as intelligent robotics, automated systems, and algorithmic management at work may make employees insecure about their jobs—leading to more stress and less engagement. Washington State University’s study looked at employees across 18 different industries, and found that workers who had the greatest fears about AI stealing their job were more likely to behavior poorly—by, say, slacking off at the office, or even stealing a coworker’s lunch. Researchers also found that employees who assumed they would be replaced were more likely to “morally disengage” at work, such as by coming in late for a shift or surfing the web while on the clock. “Moral disengagement is basically a way of justifying bad behavior,” Tahira M. Probst, a professor of ps…

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