A recent Harvard Business Review article discusses “workslop,” a term for AI-generated content that looks good but lacks substance. The article suggests this low-quality content is hurting productivity in the workplace. Research cited in the article from BetterUp Labs and Stanford found that 41% of workers have encountered workslop. Each instance can cost almost two hours of rework. This phenomenon is said to create issues with productivity, trust, and collaboration.
The article says a lack of clear guidance from leaders on how to use AI is part of the problem. To fight workslop, leaders should model purposeful AI use. They should also set clear standards and promote a “pilot mindset.” This mindset encourages viewing AI as a tool for collaboration, not a shortcut.
