Axios Founders Say AI Flooded Inboxes, Urge Simplicity

Axios founders Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, and Roy Schwartz have stated that artificial intelligence has negatively impacted professional inboxes, leading to an increase in content and a phenomenon they term 'work-like activity.' This assertion is presented in the context of their new book, 'Simplify: Do 50% More with 50% Less,' released in March 2026. The trio argues that AI, contrary to its promise of efficiency, has instead flooded offices with more presentations and longer emails, creating a sense of motion without tangible progress. VandeHei specifically noted in an interview with Fortune that corporate teams are "drowning" because individuals who previously did not create decks or presentations are now generating content that requires extensive review. This internal deluge is compounded by an external one, as incoming pitches and external communications have also multiplied, creating a "two-front squeeze." Allen observed that people tend to become more verbose when left to their own devices, a natural inclination towards complexification that exacerbates the problem. He highlighted that without ruthless auditing and a willingness to eliminate unnecessary tasks, individuals will not experience the liberation of having more time. Allen drew a parallel to the concept of "work-like activity," a phrase borrowed from former Slack CEO Stewart Butterfield, which McKinsey partner Kate Smaje has described as a "false productivity trap." This trap, Allen explained, is prevalent in most organizations and represents a core issue. VandeHei countered the notion that humans are inherently lazy, a common critique in discussions about AI's impact on productivity. The founders' proposed solution, the 'Simplify' framework, is presented as a method to combat this AI-induced overload. The framework, which they claim to have tested on themselves, aims to help individuals and organizations achieve greater output with fewer resources. The book's premise is that by ruthlessly auditing workflows and eliminating non-essential tasks, professionals can reclaim time and focus on impactful work, rather than getting caught in the cycle of busywork facilitated by AI tools. The founders' critique aligns with a broader discourse surrounding the initial, often counterproductive, effects of AI adoption in the workplace, suggesting that the technology's promise of enhanced efficiency is yet to be realized for many.