Title: DECODING EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCES IN AI-DRIVEN WORKPLACES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF WORK–LIFE BALANCE CHALLENGES
Author: K. VANDHANA, Dr. G. KANAGAVALLI and G. NIRMALKIMAR
Abstract:

The quick penetration of artificial intelligence (AI) into organizational workplaces is changing the nature of job design, the work processes, and the way employees are managed in a fundamental manner. Although AI-driven systems make the systems more efficient, flexible, and more adaptable in decision making, they also pose questions on employee wellbeing and work life balance. This paper explores how AI-based working conditions are changing employee work-life balance, bringing out new managerial issues in the AI age. The study follows the mixed-method research design and is premised on primary data that will be gathered among 450 employees who work in AI-enabled companies. The use of a structured questionnaire and descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, Chi-square test and multiple regression analysis were used to collect quantitative data and to test the patterns, group-wise differences, associations and causal relationships. Besides, semi-structured interviews were performed to gather qualitative data and analyzed by means of manual coding and NVivo-aided thematic analysis to represent in-depth experiences of employees. The results have shown that flexible work schedules and automation with AI positively affect the work-life balance of employees significantly, but digital monitoring systems have a negative impact on stress and work pressure. The results of regression indicate that the factors of the AI-driven work environment can account for a significant share of the variation in the work-life balance of employees. The Chi-square and t-tests also suggest that there exist significant changes and relationships between the demographic and occupational variables. The qualitative data supports the quantitative data, as it identifies such themes as efficiency in the work, stress caused by surveillance, autonomy, and intelligent management of tasks. The study comes to the conclusion that although AI-centered workplaces have more benefits in terms of flexibility and productivity, managerial regulation and ethical AI governance are necessary to protect the welfare of employees. The results have strong implications on managers and policymakers who wish to reconcile technological innovation and sustainable work-life practices in the dynamic digital work place.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, AI-Driven Work Environment, Work, Life Balance, Employee Wellbeing, Digital Monitoring, Mixed-Method Study.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38193/IJRCMS.2026.8146
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Date of Publication: 14-02-2026
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Published Vol & Issue: Volume 8 Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2026