How AI Monitoring Impacts Employee Mental Health

Employers use AI to monitor employees through various tools. While some, like cameras, are visible, others are more discreet. Data collection methods include employee badges, keystroke logging, and productivity tracking software.

AI monitoring can have different purposes. Cameras may be used for security, while other technologies aim to boost productivity by analyzing data and comparing it to benchmarks. These systems can even influence decisions about promotions, raises, and disciplinary actions.

Due to these practices, many employees feel like their employers are spying on them. The 2023 Work in America Survey reported that among those aware of being monitored, "47% were worried about spying (vs. 22% of those not monitored), and 46% felt uncomfortable (vs. 23% of those not monitored)." Additionally, more than two out of five monitored employees said that being watched led to negative feelings.

The survey also showed a strong link between AI monitoring and stress. More than half (56%) of monitored employees reported feeling tense or stressed at work, compared to around 40% of those who weren’t monitored.

Monitored workers were more likely to show signs of burnout, such as irritability toward coworkers or customers (23% vs. 14% for non-monitored workers), withdrawing from colleagues (30% vs. 19%), feeling unmotivated (29% vs. 22%), emotional exhaustion (30% vs. 19%), and feeling ineffective at work (20% vs. 15%).

While there are some perceived benefits to AI monitoring, these are often recognized more by management than employees. For instance, 79% of upper management felt that AI monitoring improved productivity, compared to 54% of middle management. Upper management also believed monitoring enhanced workplace safety and experience.

The APA survey did reveal a few positive sentiments from workers. One teacher said monitoring her classes helped ensure safety, boosting her well-being. Another employee felt that limited tracking was a fair trade-off for the option to work from home.

However, most employees held a less favorable view. About a third of all survey respondents said they worried about being spied on and felt uncomfortable with employer tracking. For those aware of being monitored, these concerns rose to 47% and 46%, compared to 22% and 23% among non-monitored workers.

AI monitoring also affects workplace culture. Many employees expressed concerns about privacy, even when the survey didn’t directly ask. Some workers mentioned that employers should stop monitoring them and respect their privacy to promote a healthier work environment. When employees feel untrusted or undervalued, their commitment to the company can suffer.

This lack of trust may lead some employees to seek new jobs. According to the survey, 33% of all respondents planned to look for a new job within the next 12 months. Among monitored employees, 42% intended to search for a new position, compared to 23% of those not monitored.

Employee retention matters for employers. While 33% of all surveyed employees intended to job-hunt, the number was 46% among those worried about AI. In contrast, only 25% of those not concerned about AI planned to change jobs.

Tara Behrend, PhD, a human resources professor at Michigan State University, provided insights during an APA interview about the survey. She noted that monitoring, when used properly, can support training and feedback. For instance, video footage of top performers can help train new hires. Monitoring data could also highlight an employee's contributions, helping those who aren’t comfortable with self-promotion. But, for these benefits to be realized, companies need to foster a culture of respect and trust. If data is used punitively, it loses value.

The rapid integration of AI into the workplace poses challenges. Leslie Hammer, PhD, a psychology professor at Portland State University, also spoke on the topic. She advised that employers need to communicate clearly and honestly about any changes involving AI. When employees face uncertainty or feel a lack of control, they experience more stress and may suffer negative physical health outcomes. Transparent communication and involving employees in decision-making about AI can ease these concerns.

AI monitoring impacts employee mental health significantly. According to the 2023 Work in America Survey, monitored workers were more likely to feel undervalued and micromanaged. They also feared that technology could replace their jobs, with 48% expressing this concern compared to 38% of non-monitored workers.

Although AI monitoring has its advantages, employers should carefully consider its impact on employees' mental well-being. The survey results indicate that excessive monitoring can make employees feel overlooked and unappreciated.

Professor Behrend highlighted a key issue, stating, "It's a mistake because the tools aren't measuring what's really important—all the ways a worker is contributing to the organization and generating value." The data shows that productivity monitoring may not lead to better performance and could be counterproductive for businesses in the long run.