Table of Contents
AI continues to rapidly evolve, and its integration into our daily lives has become unparalleled. The global conversation surrounding the benefits and drawbacks of this technology is ongoing. A recent report highlights the potential for AI to benefit employees, as it predicts that within the next decade, millions of workers may be able to maintain their current salaries while working 4-day work a week.
Role in Shift to 4-Day Work
A recent study examining the British and American workforces suggests that by 2033, artificial intelligence has the potential to facilitate a transition for millions of employees toward 4-day work a week.
According to the latest data from Autonomy, an independent research organization, approximately 8.8 million employees in Britain, which accounts for 28% of the workforce, are expected to work full-time for 32 hours a week by 2033.
The implementation of 4-day work a week is being advocated globally as a means to reduce work hours. This move is expected to benefit businesses, individuals, and governments by prioritizing productivity over working hours.
It is believed that this setup will lead to a future where work-life balance can be improved without compromising business results.
Autonomy carried out a study in the United States that revealed 35 million people would reap the benefits. Congressman Mark Takano has proposed a bill to the US Congress that would establish a 32-hour workweek.
According to The Guardian, Congressman Mark Takano stated that “AI and automation will bring about significant changes to our workforce. It is the responsibility of the government to guarantee that all workers, regardless of their industry or skill level, benefit from the gains in efficiency.”
Enhances 4-Day Work In AI
Large language models (LLMs), like ChatGPT, could be introduced in workplaces to enhance the roles of workers and generate additional leisure time, as suggested by the study. This approach, as per Autonomy, not only has the potential to prevent widespread unemployment but also to alleviate the prevalence of mental and physical health issues.
By utilizing large language models (LLMs) in workplaces, the study suggests that this projection could become a reality. LLMs are statistical language models that aim to enhance the roles of workers and provide them with more leisure time.
According to the think tank, the City of London, Elmbridge, and Wokingham are among the local authorities that have the highest potential for workers. In the next decade, 38% or more of the workforce in these areas will be able to reduce their working hours to “AI 4-day work”.
AI Transforming Work Lives
Autonomy urges public and private employers in both the UK and the US to seize a remarkable chance to lead the global adoption of workplace AI. By embracing this opportunity, they can enhance the lives of countless workers. Additionally, policymakers are urged to take decisive action in response.
The data from Autonomy indicated that implementing such a policy could also serve as a preventive measure against widespread unemployment and mitigate the prevalence of mental and physical health issues.
The Autonomy report stated that local authorities in the United Kingdom have the potential for 38% or more of their workforce to transition to a four-day week with the help of AI augmentation within the next ten years.
According to The Guardian, Will Stronge, the research director at Autonomy, emphasized that numerous investigations on AI, large language models, and similar subjects tend to concentrate solely on either profitability or a potential jobs apocalypse.
Stronge added that this study aims to demonstrate that when technology is fully utilized, but its purpose is redirected, it can enhance not only work practices but also work-life balance.
