Imagine reflecting on the work conditions of past generations while relaxing in your cozy living room, perhaps with a warm fire crackling and a fresh cup of coffee nearby. It’s remarkable how our work lives have evolved. Many of us enjoy far better conditions than 99% of those who came before us. These days, work often transitions from the office to the comfort of our homes. Strict regulations concerning work hours and conditions ensure that we maintain a healthier work-life balance. At any point, if our jobs don’t bring us happiness, the option to make a change is generally available.
If someone visited us from the 1700s, they’d likely wonder how things could improve further. This brings us to the exciting idea of a four-day working week.
This concept has been gaining traction over recent years. At its core is the belief that reducing work hours could make employees more energized, decrease burnout, and ultimately enhance focus and productivity during their working hours.
This is a complex issue, without a doubt, one that promises profound societal changes if adopted. Important conversations about it are occurring at high levels of society. Influential people are pondering how to shift the perspectives of business owners and company leaders who might worry about losing manpower and profitability.
Among the main proponents is Bernie Sanders. He suggests leveraging the boundless productivity of AI to reduce traditional workweeks. On The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Sanders explained: “You’re a worker, your productivity is increasing because we give you AI, right? Instead of throwing you out on the street, I’m going to reduce your workweek to 32 hours.”
Bernie’s vision transcends mere discussion. It’s encapsulated in his “Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act,” first put forward last year. This act would require employers to compensate overtime beyond 32 hours, effectively nudging the workweek towards four days.
“Let’s use technology to benefit workers,” Sanders says. “That means, give you more time with your family, your friends, for education, whatever you wish to pursue. The necessity to work 40 hours a week can be revisited.”
Sanders aims to gradually introduce a 32-hour work week model over four years. This thoughtful approach is designed to allow businesses to adjust without any immediate financial strain.
However, Sanders raises concerns about AI, emphasizing that it isn’t solely promising sunshine and roses. At 84, he is alert to how AI could intensify the gap between wealth and poverty.
“Currently, before fully realizing the impact of robotics and AI, we’ve witnessed an unprecedented concentration of wealth and income,” he told NBC News. “The top 1% of Americans own more wealth than the bottom 93%.”
“Just think about the zillionaires — Musks, Ellisons, Bezoses, Zuckerbergs — they’re pouring enormous sums into AI and robotics. What might this lead to?”
In Sanders’ view, while AI enables tech magnates to amass more wealth, it risks equality and democracy.
“It means even more wealth and power for the elite, which weakens our democracy,” he says. “Without intervention, working people may witness a sharp decline in living standards.”
How do you perceive the rise of AI and the prospect of a four-day workweek? Feel free to share your thoughts.
