Artificial intelligence may be on everyone’s lips, but one question remains surprisingly open: does it really make us more productive?
If you ask managers, the answer is an obvious “yes.”
But if you ask employees, the response is much more nuanced.
So, who’s right?
The gap between managers and employees
A recent study by the consulting firm Section, reported by the Wall Street Journal, shows a striking contrast:
- Two-thirds of employees say AI saves them less than two hours a week.
- 40% even claim they could “never use AI again” and be fine.
That’s quite a gap.
Because while executives may feel empowered by these new tools, it doesn’t necessarily mean the business itself is seeing real gains.
The illusion of productivity
A study by the METR group revealed a troubling phenomenon.
Experienced developers using AI assistants took 19% longer to complete their tasks…
… while believing they were going 20% faster.
In other words: AI can sometimes create an illusion of productivity.
It’s like those “to-do list” apps you spend more time setting up than actually using.
When “workslop” creeps into the office
This illusion even has a name: workslop — AI-generated content that looks like good work but lacks depth or reliability.
In some companies, managers use AI to produce documents that their teams then have to correct. The result? Initial time savings turn into collective time loss.
The real issue isn’t AI itself — it’s how we use it
At Leadkong.com, we believe the real question isn’t if companies should use AI, but how.
AI can be a fantastic ally for productivity — if it’s used wisely, in areas where it truly adds value, not just because it’s trendy.
That’s why we designed our Leadkong chatbot around a simple philosophy:
👉 pragmatic, useful, and intelligent AI.
Not a religion, not a gimmick.
Just a tool built to help businesses go further — without getting lost in the illusion of artificial productivity.
Toward more responsible and lucid AI
Studies multiply, models evolve, and practices improve.
But one thing remains certain: real productivity isn’t measured by the number of prompts generated, but by tangible results.
AI should remain a skill amplifier, not a substitute for thinking.
And for businesses, the challenge isn’t to integrate AI at all costs, but to understand where it truly makes a difference.
In conclusion
The AI productivity paradox reminds us of a simple truth:
Feeling efficient isn’t the same as actually being efficient.
Before celebrating the “AI revolution,” let’s ask the right question:
Do our tools help us work better — or just feel busier?