Artificial intelligence is transforming workplace expectations by raising productivity and consistency standards, according to AI product leader Svetlana Makarova. The shift, which Makarova calls the 'humanity discount,' devalues human traits like variability, judgment, and emotion as AI systems replicate structured tasks with growing accuracy.
Core Facts & Developments
Makarova, who works in AI technical product management at IKS Health and previously led AI products at Mayo Clinic, argues that AI's consistency is recalibrating customer expectations. Human workers now face unrealistic standards for productivity, patience, and availability, as AI never experiences stress, fatigue, or bad days.
Deeper Dive & Context
The Scripted Workplace
The trend toward standardized, scripted jobs predates AI, Makarova says. Companies have long optimized roles for efficiency by breaking tasks into repeatable steps and using templates, scripts, and performance metrics. This preparation made automation easier, as AI excels at following exact scripts.
AI's Accelerating Impact
AI systems trained on structured workflows—such as customer service calls, report writing, and documentation—are replicating tasks with increasing accuracy. Fields like sales, legal, technical development, and research are particularly affected. Makarova notes that interacting with emotionally responsive AI is subtly shifting expectations of human behavior, lowering how human we judge others to be.
Long-Term Implications
The result is a workplace where more is expected of human workers, often without them realizing why. While AI brings efficiency, it also raises questions about the future of human roles in industries where emotional intelligence and adaptability were once valued.