There’s no question that AI is changing the way we work. Is AI solving one problem while creating a new problem all together though?
Many of the leaders I coach are seeing their teams become more efficient, productive, and less overwhelmed. Tasks that once took hours can now be completed in minutes. Reports are drafted faster. Research happens quicker. Administrative work is lighter.
On the surface, that’s a good thing.
Less burnout. More capacity. More time for higher-value work.
But I’ve been wondering about something.
As AI takes over more of the work, what happens to the human interactions that used to naturally occur along the way?
A recent study by Workday found that while AI is helping reduce burnout and increase confidence at work, it may also be contributing to a growing sense of isolation. Younger employees seem particularly affected, with many reporting feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
That got my attention.
Because while organizations are focused on improving productivity, we may be overlooking something equally important: connection.
The Small Moments Matter
Think about your day.
How many conversations happen because someone asks for help, needs clarification, wants feedback, or simply stops by to talk through an idea?
These interactions may seem small, but they serve a bigger purpose.
They build relationships.
They create trust.
They strengthen a sense of belonging.
As AI handles more of these tasks independently, some of those interactions disappear. Not all at once. Gradually.
The result isn’t necessarily obvious.
People still get their work done.
Meetings still happen.
Projects still move forward.
But over time, teams can begin to feel less connected to one another.
And when connection decreases, trust often follows.
Connection Is Not a “Nice to Have”
One of the biggest misconceptions in leadership is that connection is simply a byproduct of working together.
It’s not.
Connection is what allows teams to have healthy conflict.
It’s what helps people speak up when something isn’t working.
It’s what creates psychological safety.
It’s what enables accountability.
In my experience facilitating teams, trust doesn’t happen because people sit in the same meetings. It happens because they build meaningful relationships with one another over time.
Connection is not a soft skill.
It’s part of the infrastructure of a high-performing team.
The Leadership Opportunity
The good news is that leaders have tremendous influence here.
Research continues to show that managers play a critical role in how employees experience change, including the introduction of AI.
Which means the question isn’t whether AI belongs in our organizations.
It’s already here.
The question is whether we’re being intentional about protecting the human side of work as technology evolves.
Because connection won’t happen by accident the way it once did.
Leaders must create the conditions for it.
Three Things Leaders Can Do Right Now
- Pay attention to what’s being lost.
Ask yourself:
Where have we become more efficient but less connected?
It’s a simple question, but it often reveals important insights.
- Protect conversations that matter.
Coaching conversations.
Mentoring moments.
Development discussions.
Check-ins that go beyond project updates.
These interactions have become even more valuable because AI can’t replace them.
- Be visible.
Your team pays attention to what you pay attention to.
When leaders show genuine interest in their people, they send a powerful message about what matters.
Don’t assume connection is taking care of itself.
Make time for it.
A Question to Consider
AI will continue to change how work gets done.
That’s not the real challenge.
The real challenge is ensuring that as work becomes more efficient, our teams don’t become more disconnected.
As leaders, we have the opportunity—and responsibility—to protect the relationships that make great teams possible.
So here’s the question I’ve been sitting with:
What connection on your team might be quietly disappearing—and what are you willing to do to strengthen it?
Deseri Garcia
Most leaders struggle with disengagement, dysfunction, and non-productive behaviors with their teams. We deliver training that develops leaders and engages teams to increase your company results.