AI deployment might actually result in longer working hours

 

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked debate about its potential impact on work hours. While some argue that AI could usher in a four-day workweek, others predict that it could actually increase worker demands and lead to a 24/7 work culture.

Binny Gill, CEO of Kognitos, a company that uses generative AI to automate business processes, expects that AI will supercharge an "always-on" culture and pressure workers to be available around the clock. He believes that as AI becomes more prevalent, companies will turn into 24/7 machines, and humans will be expected to be on call at all times.

Gill's prediction is based on the idea that if customers become used to getting service from AI on weekends, they will expect the same level of response all the time. This could lead to workers being required to oversee AI bots at all hours, potentially adding up to more than 40 hours of work per week.

However, not everyone agrees that AI will quash dreams of a four-day workweek. Emily Rose McRae, a senior director analyst at Gartner, expects the idea to go from "radical to routine." She argues that companies will need to justify the extra expense of running operations 24/7 and that many companies have already cut back on service levels due to employee burnout.

McRae also points out that there is a shortage of workers in the workforce, making it difficult for companies to staff 24/7 operations. She believes that competitive pressure could drive companies to experiment with a four-day workweek to retain employees.

Simon Johnson, a professor of global economics and management at MIT, also expects the four-day workweek to materialize. However, he notes that AI could create new tasks that we can't envision, which could shape our weeks. He also warns that if AI doesn't create new tasks, it could lead to more competition for remaining jobs and put downward pressure on wages and working hours.

Alexey Korotich, VP of product at Wrike, a work-management platform, believes that AI will give workers real-time access to information, making it harder for some employees to step away and adding to the pressure to be "always on."

Dale Whelehan, CEO of 4 Day Week Global, a nonprofit that advocates for a shorter workweek, emphasizes that management will decide whether AI will lead to job losses or enable a four-day workweek. He notes that technology has created new jobs and innovation but hasn't necessarily made our lives easier when it comes to work-life balance.

In conclusion, the impact of AI on work hours is uncertain and will depend on various factors, including management decisions and societal values. While some predict that AI will lead to a 24/7 work culture, others believe it could enable a four-day workweek. Ultimately, it will be up to management to decide how to use AI to benefit both the company and its employees.