The Hidden Causes of AI Workslop—and How to Fix Them

The rise of AI has led to a proliferation of "workslop," or AI-generated work that appears functional but lacks substance, ultimately burdening recipients. Jeff Hancock and Kate Niederhoffer explain that this issue stems from structural problems within organizations, such as general AI mandates and overburdened employees, rather than individual laziness. This phenomenon leads to emotional and interpersonal costs, including decreased trust and collaboration, and can cost a company with 10,000 employees around $9 million annually. They suggest leaders should move away from general AI mandates, foster team-level redesign of work, and build trust by openly communicating about AI's role within the organization. Companies should focus on mindset training, invest in talent infrastructure, and identify specific areas where AI can solve particular challenges.