The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Employee Well being



In Sri Lanka, whenever anyone mentions AI, the first thing that comes to mind is job replacement and fear among employees that they will no longer have a means of earning their living. Although misuse of AI can result in job replacement, companies can take advantage of AI to engage in cooperation rather than displacement of employees. Consider a scenario whereby both humans and AI work together in an organization, human beings handle high value tasks, and AI takes care of mundane tasks (García-Madurga et al., 2024).

There are many repetitive processes in the workplace that can be carried out by AI. Through automation, the workers will have an opportunity to do other productive things. Artificial intelligence could be able to work during off hours to complete routine tasks for the organization, and then allow employees to go through the work, correct mistakes, and submit the final work.

In large enterprises, gifted individuals are often overlooked by the management team. AI based assessment mechanisms can be employed to discover such "hidden gems" in order to reward and motivate them, thus ensuring the growth of the individual as well as the company. Another application of AI includes workload balancing, as well as predicting upcoming workloads and aiding the managers in making necessary plans.

AI can also help in maintaining employees’ psychological well being. Conversational AI systems can create an environment where employees can share their emotions and be advised whenever they are feeling stressed out (Shaikh et al., 2023). On a personal note, I have gone through periods of exhaustion working on different assignments across six companies under the same parent organization. With the aid of AI, I would have been able to relieve myself of the pressure and work efficiently.

Moreover, AI can aid workers in learning about themselves in real time too. AI will be able to suggest areas that they need to improve upon in order to perform well. Not only can AI assist the worker at work but can also ensure their health status. Due to the increased health risks in Sri Lanka due to the lifestyle and dietary habits of the population, AI can detect early any signs of poor health status of the employee (Oosthuizen, 2019).




Conclusion

The use of AI could prove to be dangerous if not used appropriately, but at the same time, it has an enormous potential to contribute positively to the happiness of employees. In cases when companies make use of AI in the right way, both human beings and machines can cooperate to form a favorable working atmosphere. The outcome would be a win win situation for everyone.

References

  • García-Madurga, M.Á., Gil-Lacruz, A.I., Saz-Gil, I. and Gil-Lacruz, M., 2024. The role of artificial intelligence in improving workplace well-being: A systematic review. Businesses, 4(3), pp.389-410.
  • Shaikh, F., Afshan, G., Anwar, R.S., Abbas, Z. and Chana, K.A., 2023. Analyzing the impact of artificial intelligence on employee productivity: the mediating effect of knowledge sharing and well‐being. Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, 61(4), pp.794-820.
  • Oosthuizen, R.M., 2019. Smart technology, artificial intelligence, robotics and algorithms (STARA): Employees’ perceptions and wellbeing in future workplaces. Theory, research and dynamics of career wellbeing: Becoming fit for the future, pp.17-40.





Comments

  1. Iresha VithanageApril 8, 2026 at 1:24 AM

    What does employee well-being mean in the context of AI-driven organizations?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nadun HeeraluarachchigeApril 8, 2026 at 2:17 AM

    Your post clearly reframing AI being a threat to employment into a tool for collobaration.You have cleary highlighted AI's role in uncovering hidden talent and supporting employee well being,those are often overlooked aspects in the converstaion about AI.In your view ,what cultural or organizational changes would be necessary in Sri Lankan companies to ensure that AI isused for cooperation rather than displacement?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ashan WimalasurendraApril 15, 2026 at 12:19 PM

    Interested. Your discussion was very engaging could you provide more detail on how HR professionals can adapt their skills to work alongside AI?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Madavi HemachandraApril 19, 2026 at 7:42 AM

    Thank you for sharing this excellent blog. How can HR ensure employees feel secure and trust AI, rather than fear it as a threat?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. E.M SampathApril 20, 2026 at 3:52 AM

      Management needs to show employees in real life that AI generated information is not the only thing that goes into making decisions.

      Delete
  5. Harshani ArnoldaApril 19, 2026 at 7:43 AM

    Sampath, you mention that a 'win-win' situation occurs when companies use AI the 'right way' to foster cooperation. In your view, what is the single most important policy or cultural shift a company must implement to ensure employees feel empowered by AI rather than threatened by it?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Rashmi SenarathApril 19, 2026 at 8:31 AM

    A very insightful discussion on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in HRM, as it clearly shows how rapidly technology is transforming modern human resource practices. AI is now playing a major role in areas such as recruitment, selection, employee engagement, performance management, and training & development. Its ability to process large amounts of data quickly and accurately makes HR processes more efficient, especially in tasks like CV screening, candidate shortlisting, and predictive analytics for better decision-making. This not only saves time but also helps HR professionals focus more on strategic and people-oriented activities rather than routine administrative work.

    At the same time, AI is also improving employee development by identifying skill gaps and suggesting personalized training programs, which supports continuous learning and organizational growth. However, alongside these advantages, there are also important challenges that need attention, such as algorithmic bias, data privacy concerns, lack of transparency, and the risk of reducing human empathy in HR decisions. Since HRM is fundamentally about people, relying too heavily on AI without proper ethical control can affect fairness and employee trust.

    Overall, the key idea is that AI should not replace human HR professionals but should instead support and enhance their work. The most effective approach is a balanced one where AI handles data-driven tasks while humans focus on emotional intelligence, ethical judgment, and relationship-building. This combination of technology and human insight can truly shape a more efficient, fair, and future-ready HRM system.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Chandima KarunarathneApril 20, 2026 at 3:55 AM

    Very insightful post. I like how you shifted the narrative from AI as a threat to AI as a collaborative tool that supports employees rather than replacing them. Your points on workload balancing, hidden talent identification, and employee well-being are especially relevant.

    Overall, it clearly shows that when used responsibly, AI can enhance both productivity and employee happiness.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Nimesha EkanayakaApril 20, 2026 at 10:08 AM

    This post gives a very realistic look at why small businesses in Sri Lanka struggle to grow. You’ve clearly shown that in family-owned shops, the owner’s personal mood often replaces professional rules. Because these owners see HR as a 'cost' rather than a 'tool,' they miss out on hiring the best talent and using new technology like AI. This creates a cycle where the business stays small because it lacks the structure to get bigger. Your analysis perfectly highlights that for an SME to truly succeed, it must stop treating employees like 'help' and start treating them like strategic partners.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Devaraj SanjeevApril 21, 2026 at 5:23 AM

    Thank you for this very insightful and well-developed perspective on AI in the workplace. I especially like your balanced view that AI should be seen as a collaborator rather than a replacement for human employees. Your examples on workload automation, talent identification, and employee well-being clearly show the practical potential of AI in HRM. I also appreciate the personal reflection, as it makes the discussion more realistic and relatable. Overall, this highlights that the real value of AI depends on how responsibly and thoughtfully it is integrated into organisational practices.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Umesh edirisingheApril 21, 2026 at 10:23 AM

    When harnessed effectively, AI can revolutionize the workplace by enhancing collaboration and streamlining processes, ultimately boosting employee satisfaction. A balanced approach that prioritizes the well-being of workers while leveraging technology promises a harmonious and productive environment for all. Exciting possibilities lie ahead!

    ReplyDelete

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