13. Balancing the double-edged sword of artificial Intelligence: Job demands, resources, and Work–Life balance

Pinho, J. C., Fontes, A., & Santos, G. G. (2026). Balancing the double-edged sword of artificial Intelligence: Job demands, resources, and Work–Life balance. Computers in Human Behavior Reports, 21, 100924. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2025.100924This study applies the Job Demands–Resources (JD–R) framework to examine the “double-edged sword” effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on employee well-being. Using survey data from 280 professionals, it shows that AI simultaneously functions as a job resource and a job demand. On the one hand, employee–AI collaboration reduces repetitive work and cognitive load, enabling employees to focus on more meaningful tasks, which increases work engagement and improves work–life balance (WLB). On the other hand, AI awareness—particularly fears of job loss and skill obsolescence—acts as a hindrance demand that lowers engagement and psychological safety. The findings reveal that work engagement mediates the positive relationship between AI collaboration and WLB and is a necessary condition for achieving high WLB. Interestingly, AI awareness positively moderates the collaboration–engagement link, suggesting that close collaboration can transform perceived threats into challenge demands. The study highlights AI as a job redesign opportunity requiring human-centered implementation and transparent communication.