Abstract
The rapid diffusion of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) is transforming everyday work, yet its implications for employee well-being remain poorly understood. This developmental paper presents preliminary insights from an exploratory qualitative study across five Danish public administrative organisations. Combining Self‑Determination Theory with social capital theory, the study examines how genAI adoption influences well-being at individual and relational levels.
Early findings show that genAI affects employees' sense of competence in contrasting ways. In general, participants show a predominantly positive attitude towards genAI and report increased well-being. Most feel more efficient and capable, while others fear skill erosion and uncertainty about what counts as competent performance. Autonomy appears strengthened through voluntary use, yet social dynamics around genAI create tensions, including the emergence of "shadow themes" where concerns and practices are shared confidentially. These dynamics both support and strain employees' sense of relatedness.
At the relational level, shifts in trust, justice, and collaboration emerge. Employees sometimes conceal their use of genAI due to guilt or fear of judgment, while anxieties about falling behind can lead to perceived injustice. GenAI can reduce interruptions and support focused work, but it may also diminish knowledge-sharing or increase isolation.
These early patterns highlight genAI's complex and ambivalent effects on well-being, guiding the study's ongoing analysis.