ActivTrak: employees who use AI work longer days and perform tasks more quickly than those who do not
467 companies in ActivTrak's study of AI users' workdays
Workplace analytics vendor ActivTrak tracked 9,140 knowledge workers at 467 companies from April through September 2026. AI users’ workdays ran 8.4 to 9.1 hours against 7.6 for AI non-users, a gap of up to 90 minutes. Heavy users had focus sessions 22% shorter than light users and switched apps 15% more often than non-users. ActivTrak suggests employees are filling freed capacity with more work, while Gizmodo notes that people who already work long hours may simply be the ones adopting AI.
Alan's takeAI did not give anyone their evening back. It gave the infinite backlog a faster conveyor belt. Leaders need a reinvestment imperative, which is a clear rule for what freed time is for, before the inbox decides for them.