More than half of US employers (55%) say they worry artificial intelligence (AI) could eventually replace teamwork, despite the fact that AI is helping employees collaborate more effectively.
According to a new Harris Poll survey, on behalf of Express Employment Professionals, 73% of hiring managers report AI has made employees more productive when working together, and 72% say it has improved real-time collaboration. The findings reveal a paradox at the heart of today’s workplaces. AI is streamlining communication, tracking tasks and boosting productivity, yet concerns are mounting that technology might erode creativity, reduce problem-solving skills and ultimately replace human collaboration.
AI’S ROLE IN BOOSTING TEAMWORK
Hiring decision-makers report that AI is improving collaboration across several key areas. For example:
- 73% say it has increased productivity in group work.
- 72% report smoother real-time collaboration.
- 65% note employees are collaborating more frequently.
- 65% observe greater outreach among coworkers for help.
Employees see similar benefits. Among those working at AI-enabled companies:
- 68% say AI improves team productivity.
- 63% report it simplifies real-time collaboration.
- 60% reach out to colleagues more often.
Real-world applications showcase these gains. AI tools can generate meeting summaries, track action items, suggest relevant documents, provide instant feedback and translate languages in real time – all reducing friction and keeping teams aligned.
GROWING AI CONCERNS
Despite these advantages, concerns are widespread. 86% of hiring managers express unease about AI’s growing role. The findings reveal that:
- 43% worry it diminishes creativity.
- 41% fear reduced communication between employees.
- 39% think problem-solving skills may decline.
Most strikingly, over half (55%), fear AI could replace collaboration entirely. Among companies already using AI, 81% of managers believe employees sometimes rely on AI instead of reaching out to coworkers, with 35% saying it happens often. Employees acknowledge similar behaviour, with 37% reporting they frequently turn to AI rather than colleagues for input.
Long-term concerns are clear. Around 60% of employees fear AI will eliminate the need to share ideas, and 48% believe teamwork could be fully replaced within five years.
BALANCING AI WITH HUMAN CONNECTION
Bob Funk Jr., CEO, Presiden, and Chairman of Express Employment International, emphasises the importance of preserving human collaboration. “AI can help by removing repetitive tasks and clearing roadblocks, but it should never replace the creativity and trust that come from people working together,” noted Funk. “The real opportunity is learning how to use these tools to strengthen, not sideline, human connections.”
As companies adopt AI to accelerate productivity, the challenge lies in leveraging technology to enhance human collaboration, not undermine it, noted the study.
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