A recent study by Stanford University and BetterUp revealed that, despite the enthusiasm for incorporating AI into office work, its impact on productivity remains far from positive. The survey shows that four out of ten employees use the technology on a regular basis, yet many generate what researchers call workslop: results that appear polished but lack depth, forcing others to redo the work. The cost is considerable: on average, nearly two hours are required to correct each case. Millions lost to wasted time. Beyond the financial toll, it also erodes the internal trust of teams, as more than half of respondents report feeling uneasy or mistrustful of the ability of those producing such content.

The friction between those who use AI with professional rigor and those who apply it in a casual, amateur manner only amplifies the discomfort. The absence of clear directives from leadership further fuels frustration: employees are left uncertain whether to correct, return, or simply reject subpar work. The outcome is unnecessary meetings, endless rounds of review, and time diverted from what truly matters. Researchers stress that the solution is not to dismiss AI, but to integrate it within rigorous standards. Only then can it become a strategic ally, applied with intention and discernment. For now, the promise of superefficiency remains on hold, and the question lingers: is AI truly easing burdens, or merely shifting them from one desk to another?