Three days of work a week? Gates and Dimon discuss AI's impact
While many countries have not even implemented a four-day work week yet, visionary billionaires like Bill Gates are already thinking a step further. Gates believes that if we utilize new technologies appropriately, reducing the work week to three days could be a possibility.
6:06 AM EST, November 30, 2023
During his appearance on the "What Now" podcast with Trevor Noah, the Microsoft founder addressed the topic of artificial intelligence and its potential impacts on work.
Gates suggests that modern technologies greatly facilitate our work. He even posited that with the help of artificial intelligence, a three-day work week could be feasible.
Yet, he questioned if every industry would be able to implement such a system. Gates appeared somewhat sceptical, considering it an optimistic scenario.
"If a society where you only work three days a week is eventually created, it will probably be okay," Gates declared.
According to the billionaire, people would not have to work as hard thanks to artificial intelligence. AI could take over certain tasks, allowing humans to focus more on their respective work. Machines could handle tasks such as food production and other operations.
Gates acknowledges the risks posed by artificial intelligence. He believes control and monitoring are necessary to ensure that it doesn't end up in the wrong hands. AI should not be controlled by those with malicious intent.
Three-Day Work Week for the Next Generation?
Gates' views are echoed by the CEO of JP Morgan, Jamie Dimon. In a conversation with Bloomberg, Dimon speculated that even the next generation of workers may only have a three and a half day work week, thanks in part to artificial intelligence.
"Your children will live to be 100 years old and thanks to technology, they won't suffer from cancer and will probably only work three and a half days a week," Dimon stated.
However, like Gates, Dimon warned against uncritical acceptance of the capabilities of artificial intelligence.