Sure, we can automate significant portions of someone’s workload. But if we automate 50%, does that mean we only need half the people for the same job? Probably not. More likely, the remaining team will just end up more exhausted, teetering on the edge of burnout.
Not all routine work is waste. Professionals, consciously or not, structure their day so routine tasks act as mental breathers between the heavy lifts. But when that low-effort work gets stripped away? The brain doesn’t get to switch gears. It just keeps grinding. The result is higher cognitive load, more fatigue, and eventually less efficiency.
Humans aren’t wired to run at full tilt all day. Burnout isn’t a productivity metric. It’s a warning light.
So what should companies and individuals actually do?
Companies should think beyond just time saved when evaluating what to automate. Efficiency gains don’t automatically translate to performance boosts. If you're loading people up with more complex tasks, you need to give them more recovery time. Or balance their workload with lower-intensity responsibilities.
As individuals, we need to protect our own well-being. Intentionally alternate between high-focus and low-effort tasks. When that’s not possible, at least be aware of your limits. If you’re running on empty, give yourself permission to pause. And if automation is coming for your routine tasks, speak up. Sometimes those “mindless” jobs are the buffer that keeps you sane, and management might not realize that until someone points it out.
Here are a few links to recent studies and articles:
