In recent discussions, prominent business leaders like Bill Gates and Jamie Dimon have expressed optimism about the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce the workweek to just three or three and a half days. While some experts believe that advancements in technology will lead to shorter work hours, others remain skeptical.
Vered Shwartz, a professor of computer science at the University of British Columbia, cautions that increased productivity does not necessarily mean fewer working hours. She argues that employers may expect workers to be even more productive, and some may choose to lay off employees instead of reducing the workweek. Shwartz also questions the real-world applicability of studies that show AI tools improving worker performance, as these studies are often conducted in controlled lab environments.
Despite these concerns, there are companies experimenting with shorter workweeks. Some organizations in Canada and around the world have successfully transitioned to a four-day workweek without negatively impacting productivity. John Trougakos, a professor at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, suggests that there is a diminishing rate of return on work, and eliminating less productive hours can enhance focus and concentration during the remaining hours.
Furthermore, Trougakos observes that younger workers prioritize personal time and life experiences more than their predecessors. This shift in values, combined with the potential benefits of reduced work hours, has led to increased interest in exploring alternative work models. However, the practical implementation of these ideas by influential leaders such as Gates and Dimon will ultimately determine their impact.
Joe O’Connor, CEO of the Work Time Reduction Center of Excellence in Toronto, emphasizes that while these predictions from business leaders are significant, their actions will carry more weight. O’Connor acknowledges that previous predictions of reduced work hours may have seemed far-fetched initially, but advancements in technology and productivity growth over time have validated those predictions to some extent.
As society embraces new technologies like AI, the potential for increased productivity is clear. However, the question of how these advancements will shape the future of work remains uncertain. Whether shorter workweeks benefit employees through more leisure time or primarily serve the interests of businesses and their profits is yet to be determined. One thing is certain – the role of influential leaders and their decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of work in the age of AI.
The source of the article is from the blog publicsectortravel.org.uk