Diana Enriquez, an associate principal at Redstone Strategy Group in NYC, specializes in technology strategies for nonprofits and governments. Her research reveals a troubling trend: middle managers, under pressure from a tight job market and executive demands for AI adoption, mirror the challenges faced by gig workers. Interviews with 50 managers highlighted a pervasive culture of anxiety and burnout, as they conform to unrealistic AI expectations, even when the technology falls short. The findings echo previous studies on pre-automation issues, where rigid systems failed to accommodate real-world complexities. Middle managers grapple with the paradox of meeting AI demands while preserving their roles, risking productivity for compliance. Enriquez advocates for human-centered design in technology, arguing that systems should empower workers rather than replace them. As calls for transparency and customization grow, the need for a collective vision of beneficial design is critical to foster a sustainable future in the workforce.
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