Esther Perel warns executives: workforce social atrophy worsened by AI
Psychotherapist Esther Perel warns that Europe's workforce is suffering from 'social atrophy'—the erosion of everyday human contact—exacerbated by AI adoption, hybrid work, and economic anxiety. Citing Gallup's 2026 report showing Europe's employee engagement at just 12% (global average 20%), Perel argues that remote work, blurred Zoom backgrounds, and AI replacing routine interactions are weakening professional relationships and conflict-resolution skills. She criticizes companies for using AI to justify layoffs and reduce entry-level hiring, which eliminates traditional career paths and social bonding opportunities. Perel urges leaders to prioritize human connection over productivity and warns that AI is absorbing time once spent with colleagues, removing the foundation of small talk needed for difficult conversations. Gen Z employees are identified as the least connected cohort, with lasting pandemic effects unaddressed.
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Esther Perel warns executives: workforce social atrophy worsened by AI
Psychotherapist Esther Perel warns that Europe's workforce is suffering from 'social atrophy'—the erosion of everyday human contact—exacerbated by AI adoption, hybrid work, and economic anxiety. Citing Gallup's 2026 report showing Europe's employee engagement at just 12% (global average 20%), Perel argues that remote work, blurred Zoom backgrounds, and AI replacing routine interactions are weakening professional relationships and conflict-resolution skills. She criticizes companies for using AI to justify layoffs and reduce entry-level hiring, which eliminates traditional career paths and social bonding opportunities. Perel urges leaders to prioritize human connection over productivity and warns that AI is absorbing time once spent with colleagues, removing the foundation of small talk needed for difficult conversations. Gen Z employees are identified as the least connected cohort, with lasting pandemic effects unaddressed.