The implementation of artificial intelligence could result in a shift to a four-day working week for a significant portion of the population in the United States and Great Britain, according to a study conducted by the British analytical center, Autonomy.
The study predicts that by the year 2033, approximately 35 million American workers and 8.8 million British workers could transition to a four-day working week. The study also suggests that wages and labor productivity would not be negatively impacted by this change.
The study further reveals that over 70% of the American workforce, which is roughly 128 million people, and 88% of the UK workforce, which is about 27.9 million people, could potentially have their working hours reduced by at least 10% through the utilization of AI technology. This reduction in working time would be made possible by automating routine tasks.
According to the researchers, a four-day working week is the most optimal approach that ensures both companies and individuals benefit from smart technologies.
In the UK, the highest concentration of workers who could switch to a four-day working week in the next decade is in London and the Southeast England region. The financial center of London, City, is particularly suitable for this transition, with potentially more than half of its workforce meeting the criteria set by analysts.
Conversely, in the city of Boston, one of the poorest cities in Britain, only slightly more than 15% of the working population could expect to enjoy an additional day off.
In the United States, the District of Columbia has the highest percentage of employees eligible for a four-day working week, with a rate of over 40%. This is followed by the states of Massachusetts and Utah, where the percentage exceeds 30%. On the other hand, Nevada, Alaska, and Wyoming rank as the states with the lowest potential for a four-day working week, with only 20% of the labor force having such opportunities.
The study suggests that the widespread adoption of AI technology in the business sector would yield significant financial benefits. The resulting funds could be reinvested in the development of new industries and the improvement of living standards, ultimately driving progress and economic growth.
“If AI is used fairly in all sectors of the economy, this will facilitate a widespread transition to a four-day working week,” said Will Strong, director of Autonomy.
It remains uncertain whether these forecasts are applicable to Russia or whether the country can expect a reduction in working hours and a shorter working week in the near future. It is a waiting game for domestic researchers to provide insight into the possibilities.