Teachers at Euan Blair's tech training company, Multiverse, are experiencing "horrendous stress" and feeling constantly surveilled due to a new AI system that monitors and rates their online teaching sessions. The AI flags performance issues, leading to anxiety and impacting staff well-being.
The widespread adoption of AI in workplaces, even in roles requiring human interaction and skill, raises concerns about employee well-being, job satisfaction, and the potential for increased surveillance and stress, impacting the broader tech industry and its workforce.
Teachers at Euan Blair's tech training company, Multiverse, have raised concerns about "horrendous stress" and feeling constantly surveilled due to a new artificial intelligence system implemented to monitor and rate their teaching performance. The AI analyzes transcripts of online classroom sessions, flagging potential issues such as slow responses to technical disruptions or the use of filler words like "sort of" and "kind of."
Staff described the system as "remorseless" and "unnerving," with some reporting sleep disturbances and anxiety. Previously, instructors were observed monthly by human managers, but the new AI system monitors them for several hours daily. The AI is trained to identify vague answers, learner disengagement, or prolonged one-on-one exchanges that sideline the group.
Multiverse, which trains thousands of UK public and private sector workers in AI and digital skills, stated that the AI does not replace human judgment but rather "directs human time to where it’s needed most" by highlighting areas for review. A spokesperson said the system aims to "improve the experience of learners and customers," and that human managers are solely responsible for performance reviews. The company also noted that the introduction of the system was communicated in advance and teachers will have access to the collected data.
Critics warn that AI monitoring risks eroding human agency and can lead to worker rebellion, with one study suggesting it degrades work satisfaction. The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has called for new laws to ensure AI is deployed responsibly, preventing the degradation of skilled work and excessive profit for a few.
Pick the topics you care about. Get only what matters, on your cadence.