There’s really no denying how powerful AI is. It has made a lot of tasks a lot simpler. But could AI be so valuable and helpful that we can look forward to a 4-day workweek? According to Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, that is a possibility.
AI is giving us a 4-day workweek
During a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, Sanders says that the time saved and increased productivity and efficiency by AI could give time back to workers. This means that instead of your usual 40-hour workweek, we could be looking at a reduction to a 32-hour workweek.
“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. Let’s use technology to benefit workers. That means, give you more time with your family, with your friends, for education, whatever the hell you want to do. You don’t have to work 40 hours a week anymore,” Sanders says.
This isn’t the first time Sanders has proposed the idea of a 32-hour workweek. Last year, the senator introduced the “Thirty Two Hour Workweek Act.” This legislation basically calls for a 32-hour workweek in the US and pays the same as if they had worked 40 hours. Anything more than that would be considered overtime.
Sanders isn’t alone in proposing a four-day workweek. Kickstarter implemented something similar in 2021, and Japan also tried something in 2019. According to reports, it actually led to a 40% increase in productivity.
Too much AI could be bad for you
That being said, while having more free time is a good thing, what will people use it for? Rogan raised that question by asking what would happen if all work were automated. How would people find purpose in their lives without jobs? An interesting study recently found that over-reliance on AI tools like ChatGPT could actually dull our minds.
Sanders responded by saying, “Work has been so essential to human existence forever, right? And you’re suddenly taking that away. What do people do? How do they relate to each other? All I would say at this moment is the answer is not to fall in love with your AI creature out there.”
Featured image credit – Phil Roeder
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