"Employees are using AI tools to create low-effort, passable looking work that ends up creating more work for their coworkers. ... [W]orkslop uniquely uses machines to offload cognitive work to another human being." - Harvard Business Review.
https://hbr.org/2025/09/ai-generated-workslop-is-destroying-productivity
Despite a surge in generative AI use across workplaces, most companies are seeing little measurable ROI. One possible reason is because AI tools are being used to produce “workslop”—content that appears polished but lacks real substance, offloading cognitive labor onto coworkers. Research from BetterUp Labs and Stanford found that 41% of workers have encountered such AI-generated output, costing nearly two hours of rework per instance and creating downstream productivity, trust, and collaboration issues. Leaders need to consider how they may be encouraging indiscriminate organizational mandates and offering too little guidance on quality standards. To counteract workslop, leaders should model purposeful AI use, establish clear norms, and encourage a “pilot mindset” that combines high agency with optimism—promoting AI as a collaborative tool, not a shortcut.
I have recently discovered Nik Suresh's blog. Professionally he's a data scientist and software developer, but its his writings on the absurdity of corporate culture that resonate with me. Office humor is as old as the Chancery, but today's insanity invites a sharper tongue.
<blockquote> "While I'm deeply sympathetic, the author should be discussing their issues with a therapist rather than spreading this on the internet." </blockquote> I finally rage-quit and started an IT consultancy, Hermit Tech. If you're an engineer whose company is doing crazy things and there might still be room for an intervention (i.e, there must be at least one sane person in leadership), you can book time directly on my calendar and we can figure out a game plan! I've worked with some readers before and everyone had a good time. We've developed bold, innovative technology, such as not lying, the ability to explain things to laymen, and actually knowing how to ship on time. If you live in Melbourne, this final link straight-up arranges an in-person meeting at a nice coffee place. I also talk to most readers who want to chat, but you'll have to email me. I read all mail without exception, and love getting it. I may not respond, but I'll always read! You can reach me at: [email protected]. My podcast, "Does A Frog Have Scorpion Nature", where I talk to people I like, and sometimes find blog post inspiration. You can also catch me on Mastodon. Liberapay | Patreon to support me writing taking time off to write amidst the difficulty of launching a business.
Ravensrod 🫖 🍰
