AI Work Myth

A pervasive narrative around artificial intelligence and automation suggests that as AI handles routine, repetitive tasks, people will finally have the freedom to tackle important work they’ve previously neglected. While optimistic, this idea fundamentally misunderstands human nature, organizational priorities, and the real value AI can provide.

If tasks were genuinely critical and of high value, they’d already be prioritized and accomplished — AI or not. Work that has consistently been deprioritized is usually so for good reason: it simply isn’t impactful or essential enough. Assuming AI will free people to perform previously neglected tasks inadvertently directs human effort toward low-value activities, diminishing their contributions rather than enhancing them.

The genuine promise of AI lies in freeing people not to engage in neglected work, but to invest more deeply in creative, strategic, and impactful activities that drive real value. Rather than redirecting attention toward tasks previously deemed unworthy of limited human resources, organizations must intentionally leverage AI to amplify human creativity, strategic thinking, and innovation. This approach respects and elevates human capability, ensuring people feel empowered, valued, and essential.

If we buy into the false narrative that AI merely frees up people for overlooked, low-priority tasks, we risk squandering AI’s true potential. Worse, it signals to employees that their time is most valuable when spent on tasks of minimal importance. Instead, let’s recognize AI’s real value: empowering people to focus exclusively on high-impact, strategic initiatives that truly matter.