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Unveiling the Impact of AI Adoption on Employee Mental Health: A Study by Kim and Lee (2024) on the Crucial Role of Self-Efficacy

Mar 31, 2025

This study by Kim and Lee (2024) delves into the significant implications of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption on employee mental health, with a focus on the mediating role of job stress and the moderating influence of self-efficacy in AI learning. Utilising a robust three-wave time-lagged research design, the authors explore data collected from 416 professionals in South Korea, providing critical insights for organisations globally.

Key findings from Kim and Lee (2024) include:

  1. AI adoption increases job stress among employees.  

  2. Increased job stress leads to higher levels of burnout.  

  3. Job stress mediates the relationship between AI adoption and burnout, indicating that AI's effect on burnout is primarily indirect.  

  4. Self-efficacy in AI learning moderates the relationship between AI adoption and job stress. Higher self-efficacy weakens the positive association between AI adoption and job stress.  

This research by Kim and Lee (2024) emphasises that while AI adoption does not directly cause burnout, it contributes to it through increased job stress. Furthermore, the study highlights the protective role of self-efficacy – an individual's belief in their ability to learn and adapt to AI – in mitigating AI-induced job stress.  

For organisations navigating AI transformation, the insights from Kim and Lee (2024) offer key takeaways:

  1. Acknowledge and address the potential negative impact of AI adoption on employee mental well-being.  

  2. Implement proactive strategies to manage and mitigate job stress associated with AI implementation.  

  3. Invest in training and development initiatives focused on enhancing self-efficacy in AI learning among employees.  

By understanding these dynamics, organisations can foster a more supportive and resilient environment for their workforce amidst AI-driven changes.

 

Reference:

Kim, BJ., Lee, J. The mental health implications of artificial intelligence adoption: the crucial role of self-efficacy. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 11, 1561 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-04018-w

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