Why Getting More Done At Work Is Creating More Workplace Pressure

LeadershipLeadership StrategiesWhy Getting More Done At Work Is Creating More Workplace PressureByDr. Diane Hamilton,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Curiosity expert improving engagement, innovation, and productivity.Follow AuthorMay 08, 2026, 03:00am EDTWhy Getting More Done At Work Is Creating More Workplace PressuregettyWhen I was a pharmaceutical representative, they gave a quota to hit, hoping everyone would reach at least 100% of forecast. If salespeople came in higher than 105%, the following year they raised their forecast. If they came in lower, the following year they lowered it. It never really made sense to me because it encouraged people to not work too hard because the ceiling just kept getting higher. That is why it is so interesting to me to see how performance measurements have changed. Until recently, there was always a clear advantage for people who were more prepared or more organized, and that usually came from experience. The old system provided you with something to strive for. What feels different now is where everyone starts due to new workplace tools raising the bar. With AI, even someone with less experience can present at a much higher level right away. This creates borrowed confidence, where the shiny new report you came up with might make you look good in the moment, but it also raises the standard for everyone and creates workplace pressure to keep up as expectations continue to climb. Research from UC Berkeley shows these tools are increasing the pace, the volume, and the expectations of work, which makes it harder for employees to sustain that level over time. Trying to keep up has created a new kind of stress.Workplace Pressure Is Rising Faster Than People Can Keep UpgettyWorkplace Pressure Is Rising Faster Than People Can Keep UpNew workplace tools make it easier to produce high-quality work quickly, which sounds like progress and in many ways it is. Where this becomes a problem is...