07-23-2026IMPACT COUNCIL

The problem with AI becoming our easiest colleague to talk to

The loneliness epidemic may be getting worse with AI in the workplace, but there is a solution.

[Photo: Getty Images]

The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of top leaders and experts who pay dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership, and more.

When I speak with leaders across all industries about AI, there is always talk about efficiency—how much time we save and how productive we are.Workday’s new Human Connection Workplace Index confirms that AI is making employees feel more productive, more confident, and less burned out. But we wanted to dig deeper: What happens to our company culture when AI becomes the easiest “colleague” to talk to?

Our data revealed how AI is transforming how we brainstorm or seek feedback, and these early signals show leaders how critical preserving trust is. Will we use AI to automate our way into frictionless solo work, or to build workplaces that are relationally resilient?

WHAT AI IS REVEALING TO US ABOUT WORK

In this first Index, we expected to see strong signals about efficiency—and we saw them. What surprised me, however, were the illuminated gaps in connection.

Employees are turning to AI for advice, mentorship, and even companionship. Many tell us they rarely have personal conversations with colleagues anymore, and have even taken time off work due to loneliness.

This could be pointing to workflows that leave little room for relationship-building, and cultures where people aren’t sure it’s safe to........

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