Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping work, presenting new challenges and opportunities for professionals across industries. This study, grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), examines the impact of AI integration on work engagement among IT professionals. Through qualitative investigation, our research reveals that AI both augments and complicates professionals’ work lives, providing opportunities for growth while also demanding ongoing adaptation. Key findings indicate that AI tools like UiPath and GitHub Copilot enhance work efficiency by automating routine tasks, enabling professionals to concentrate on more complex aspects of their work and enhancing their perceived competence. However, this efficiency gain requires continuous learning and adaptation, posing challenges in maintaining engagement and mastery. These findings illuminate the complex balance between leveraging AI for increased efficiency and maintaining the intrinsic human elements of IT design, offering some insights for navigating AI integration in the workplace.