Abstract
With the advent of Generative AI (GenAI) and its application in various industries, research has begun showing how this new technology might impact aspects such as teamwork, perceived productivity and the nature of work tasks. However, there is still a lack of studies investigating the emotional dimensions of GenAI use, emphasizing the affective experiences materializing from employing such tools. This study explores the potential of GenAI tools to enhance employee flourishing in a workplace context. By building on interviews with 30 individuals across four tech-intensive companies we investigate how these tools not only provide new possibilities for work practices but also elicit positive affective experiences among users. Drawing on affect studies and affordance theory, this paper suggests that GenAI’s serendipitous nature and ability to streamline mundane tasks not only
can enhance operational capabilities but also inspire a dynamic interplay of anticipation and excitement. Our findings point to that the integration of GenAI introduces novel affective affordances that potentially can enhance workplace flourishing, thereby augmenting the traditional understanding of user-tool interaction in professional environments.