The Unseen Psychosocial Hazards of AI in the Workplace

When workers turn to AI for answers before consulting their managers, what does this mean for human connection at work? How does it affect psychological safety, belonging, and trust?

The introduction of AI into our workspaces is not just about automating tasks; it is redefining relationships, altering communication patterns, and creating a sense of institutional betrayal.

AI is transforming our workplaces at a pace we can barely keep up with. While much attention is paid to productivity and efficiency gains, we are missing a critical piece of the puzzle—the psychosocial impact on workers.

If organisations do not acknowledge and mitigate these risks, we may find ourselves dealing with a workforce that is more disconnected, anxious, and disengaged than ever before.

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work recently highlighted how AI-driven surveillance is a growing psychosocial hazard, increasing worker anxiety, stress, and eroding trust between employees and leadership.

The Australian government’s latest Future of Work report echoes these concerns, pointing out significant regulatory gaps that leave workers vulnerable to excessive monitoring and algorithmic decision-making.

Yet, the conversation stops at surveillance. What about the larger implications of AI’s role in shaping our workplaces and mental well-being? When workers turn to AI for answers before consulting their managers, what does this mean for human connection at work? How does it affect psychological safety, belonging, and trust?

The question is not whether AI belongs in our workplaces, but how we ensure it supports, rather than undermines, the mental health of our teams.

Want to discuss how your organisation can prepare for the psychosocial impacts of AI? Let’s have a conversation. Because a workplace that prioritises mental well-being is a workplace that thrives.

#mentalhealthatwork #psychosocialhazards #compliance #safety