How artificial intelligence (AI) usage affects employees' workplace well-being: a job demands-resources perspective

Purpose Drawing on the job demands-resources (JD-R) theory, this study examines how AI usage affects employees' workplace well-being acts simultaneously as a job resource (enhancing autonomy) and a job demand (triggering insecurity). Furthermore, regulatory focus theory was integrated to explore how employees' motivational orientations moderate these effects. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 366 full-time employees in China by three-waves who utilize AI tools. Hierarchical regression and the instantaneous indirect effect method were used to test the linear, curvilinear and moderated mediation hypotheses. Findings AI usage has a positive indirect effect on workplace well-being by increasing AI-supported job autonomy. AI usage exhibits an inverted U-shaped relationship with job insecurity which subsequently diminishes well-being. Prevention focuses weakened AI's positive effect on autonomy. Regulatory focus did not moderate the AI-insecurity relationship. Originality/value This study links AI's contradictory resource/demand roles and reveals a novel inverted U-shaped AI-insecurity relationship. The results suggest that manager should treat AI not merely as a tool, but as a strategic opportunity for job redesign.