Survey Highlights Mixed Blessings of Tech: AI Increases Well-Being, Contributes to Stress

Artificial technology is a mixed blessing for legal teams, according to the results of a recent Thomson Reuters’ survey of over 1,200 legal, financial, risk, and compliance professionals. AI contributes to stress levels over lob losses and other negative impacts. At the same time, AI increases well-being by introducing new solutions and efficiencies into workflows.

As the legal world focuses on the ethical and regulatory challenges artificial intelligence presents, professionals should also consider the technology’s positive and negative impact on mental health and well-being. Legal departments are experiencing high levels of stress and burnout, exacerbated by inefficient tools and a fast-paced work environment.

The fear of job loss and the unknown impacts of AI contribute to anxiety and stress. Notably, 26% of respondents are also worried that AI might lead to longer working hours and less rewarding work due to reduced personal interaction. In remote or hybrid work environments, AI could exacerbate feelings of disconnect and undervaluation of professional capabilities, further affecting mental health.

Despite these concerns, there is cautious optimism about how artificial intelligence increases well-being. The survey found that 36% of respondents likened AI’s impact to having a year’s supply of their favorite snack, indicating hope for increased efficiency and data analysis capabilities. AI could reduce long working hours and the risk of errors, which 80% of professionals identified as detrimental to their mental health. By alleviating these pressures, AI could improve work-life balance and engagement.

Legal department professionals must communicate to their team that AI augments, not replaces, human roles and emphasize the importance of up-skilling. Both positive and negative perceptions of AI’s impact on mental health will persist, making it essential for legal professionals to understand their motivations, value propositions, and development needs while maintaining mental well-being.