Artificial intelligence has sparked discussions about reducing the standard workweek. Prominent figures like Steve Cohen and Eric Yuan believe this shift is imminent, predicting a three or four-day workweek. Bill Gates even suggests a future two-day workweek, while Elon Musk envisions work as optional, akin to enjoying recreational activities.
Despite such forecasts, the prospect of a shorter workweek remains elusive. Executives could have embraced this change long ago, without relying on AI advancements. Research supports the feasibility of a four-day workweek without cutting pay. Iceland’s successful 2015 trial saw productivity maintained and employee satisfaction increase. A similar study in Britain in 2022 showed revenue growth, alongside reduced stress and burnout among employees. Positive outcomes from trials in countries like New Zealand, Japan, Australia, and Brazil further reinforce the potential benefits.
In the United States, there’s strong support for a four-day workweek, but it hasn’t gained traction. Over decades in journalism, predictions about the end of the five-day workweek have consistently missed the mark. A key barrier is executives’ preference for physical presence. Leaders advocating for shorter workweeks still demand significant office time from employees. Elon Musk requires a minimum of 40 hours in-office, advocating for 80-hour weeks for impactful work. Jensen Huang of Nvidia personally works seven days despite foreseeing a four-day week. Jamie Dimon of JP Morgan favors five days in-office, criticizing remote work.
Additionally, technology’s ability to save time is often overstated. In the early 1980s, Wall Street Journal interns used manual typewriters with triplicate carbon paper, employing scissors and glue to fix errors. Despite digital tools, work hours expanded due to around-the-clock publishing potential enabled by technology.
As discussions continue, the anticipated shift towards a shorter workweek remains uncertain, compounded by executives’ preference for face time and the challenging reality of technological integration.