Employers boost productivity with AI, but concerns grow over teamwork and creativity in the workplace
AI is transforming workplace collaboration, but a growing number of Canadian employers and job seekers are sounding the alarm about its long-term impact.
According to a recent Express Employment Professionals–Harris Poll survey, 89 percent of companies express unease over AI’s expanding role, with more than half fearing it could eventually eliminate the need for collaboration altogether.
Concerns also include diminished creativity, declining problem-solving skills, and reduced communication among employees.
Despite these reservations, many organizations report tangible benefits.
Sixty-seven percent of companies say AI has made employees more productive when working together, and 55 percent note improvements in real-time collaboration.
Over half also report that AI has increased both the frequency of collaboration and outreach among coworkers.
Job seekers working at AI-enabled companies echo these advantages, with 56 percent saying it boosts team productivity and 51 percent finding it makes real-time collaboration easier.
Real-world examples highlight how organizations are leveraging AI to enhance teamwork.
As reported by Bloomberg, ServiceNow Inc. identified 1,000 high-performing AI users and empowered them to train their colleagues, using recognition and incentives rather than top-down mandates.
This influencer approach, adopted by companies across tech, finance, and manufacturing, aims to inspire employees to embrace AI by tapping into peer networks, rather than relying solely on executive directives or traditional training.
However, the survey also reveals that the shift to AI may be changing the very fabric of workplace interaction.
Seventy-six percent of companies using AI believe employees sometimes rely on these tools instead of reaching out to coworkers, and 25 percent say it happens often.
Among job seekers, 65 percent admit to this behaviour, with a quarter saying they do it frequently.
Nearly two-thirds worry that AI will eliminate the need to share ideas, and 44 percent believe teamwork could be fully replaced within five years.
Bob Funk Jr., CEO, president and chairman of Express Employment International, cautions that while AI can remove repetitive tasks and clear roadblocks, it should never replace the creativity and trust that come from people working together.
“The real opportunity is learning how to use these tools to strengthen, not sideline, human connection,” he said.
