A recent survey conducted by KPMG revealed that only 8.5% of 48,000 respondents consistently trust AI search results. This sentiment was echoed by a Gartner report indicating that over half of consumers distrust AI searches, attributing “significant” errors to these technologies. Additionally, a study by McKinsey highlighted that 80% of organizations utilizing generative AI reported “no significant bottom-line impact,” with 42% of them abandoning their AI initiatives. An MIT study further stated that 95% of AI pilot projects in large companies failed.
A new study from the Harvard Business Review has introduced the concept of “workslop,” which refers to AI-generated content perceived as substandard or lacking substance. This study found that more than 40% of full-time employees in the U.S. received such content, claiming it negatively affects productivity.
The responsibility for this phenomenon has raised questions about the role of various stakeholders. Criticism has been directed toward tech companies for releasing untested products and to media outlets for generating unrealistic expectations around AI capabilities. However, some argue that employers bear the primary responsibility for addressing the challenges posed by AI in the workplace.
Experts suggest that employers should consider several factors to effectively harness AI. These include investing in employee training, ensuring a standardized approach to AI usage, and establishing clear policies governing AI applications. Furthermore, organizations should designate responsible personnel for AI oversight and collaborate with qualified partners to maximize the technology’s potential.
The need for a strategic approach to AI deployment emphasizes the importance of investment in both technology and human resources. Without careful planning and training, AI may not fulfill its intended purpose, leading to the creation of “workslop” rather than productive outcomes.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/oct/12/ai-workslop-us-employees