AI-Induced Workload and Its Impact on Employee Health in Indonesia

The proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping modern workplaces, introducing efficiencies while simultaneously creating new challenges for employee well-being. This study addresses a critical gap in existing literature by shifting focus from the direct productivity gains of AI to its indirect consequences on employee health. The primary aim is to empirically test a model where workload mediates the relationship between AI usage and health harm among Indonesian professionals. This research investigates the interplay between Artificial Intelligence Usage (AIU), Workload (WL), and Health Harm (HH). A cross-sectional quantitative survey was administered to 257 employees across various sectors in Greater Jakarta, and the collected data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate that AIU does not directly impact HH. However, a significant positive relationship exists between AIU and WL (β = 0.490), and subsequently, WL demonstrates a strong positive correlation with HH (β = 0.819), establishing workload as a full mediator. In conclusion, the adverse health effects associated with AI integration are not caused directly by the technology but are indirectly channeled through an intensified workload. This research underscores the imperative for organizations to implement strategic workload management, robust mental health support systems, and transparent communication policies to ensure that technological advancements do not come at the cost of employee health.