Is AI Making Us Lonelier at Work? New Report Reveals Alarming Rise in Workplace Isolation

Is AI Making the Workplace Lonelier?

Artificial intelligence is becoming a bigger part of how we work, but a recent report suggests it might also be increasing feelings of isolation among employees. A survey conducted by design firm MOO found that 84% of U.S. employees urged to use AI report feeling lonely. This is higher than the general 79% of workers who say they feel isolated at work. The numbers are even more striking among younger generations, with 89% of Gen Z and 82% of Millennials reporting increased loneliness.

Cognitive Outsourcing on the Rise

One reason for this loneliness could be the rise of cognitive outsourcing—where employees turn to AI or technology for answers instead of asking colleagues. According to MOO’s survey, 65% of employees engage in this behavior. Millennials lead this trend at 71%, often choosing AI over human interaction first. In contrast, only about half of Baby Boomers and Gen Z employees exhibit this habit. This aligns with Microsoft’s Work Trend Index, which found that 46% of employees now view AI as a “thought partner,” frequently using it to avoid human conversations.

For HR professionals, this shift highlights the need to balance AI tools with strong interpersonal connections. Claire Donald, Chief Product and Technology Officer at MOO, emphasized that while AI transforms workflows, maintaining connection, creativity, and company culture is critical. She urges organizations to keep human interaction at the center, fostering collaboration and a sense of belonging that fuels innovation.

The Role of In-Office Time

In response to these challenges, many companies are pushing for a return to the office after extended periods of remote work. The goals include boosting productivity, strengthening relationships, and enhancing workplace culture. Despite some resistance, 76% of employees in the survey agreed that productivity is higher when working onsite compared to 61% who feel productive at home.

Moreover, over 80% of respondents participate in team-building activities or social events at work, showing that employees value these opportunities to connect. This suggests that face-to-face interactions remain essential for creating a supportive work environment.

Finding the Right Balance

MOO advises adopting a hybrid approach that combines AI tools with meaningful human interaction. For HR teams, this means encouraging collaboration alongside digital efficiency. The goal is to leverage AI to support tasks without letting it replace the daily conversations and teamwork that build trust and engagement.

• Promote regular check-ins and team meetings to foster communication.
• Design hybrid work policies that encourage in-person collaboration.
• Train managers to recognize signs of employee isolation and address them.
• Use AI as a tool to enhance—not replace—human creativity and problem-solving.

Striking this balance will be key for organizations aiming to maintain a connected, innovative workforce while benefiting from AI advancements.

For HR professionals looking to better understand AI’s role and how to integrate it effectively, resources like Complete AI Training offer practical courses and insights.