Senator Sanders Pushes 32-Hour Workweek With AI Gains

Senator Bernie Sanders has urged the tech industry to ensure that workers benefit from advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, rather than just corporate CEOs. Sanders advocates for a shorter workweek, specifically 32 hours, to improve work-life balance and provide more paid time off for workers. In an interview with podcaster Joe Rogan, Sanders emphasized that the time saved through AI tools should be returned to workers, allowing them to spend more time with their families and pursue other interests. "Let’s use technology to benefit workers," Sanders said. "That means give you more time with your family, with your friends, for education, whatever the hell you wanna do."

The relationship between AI and employees is complex. While AI has the potential to increase efficiency and productivity, it also poses a threat to job security. Many employers plan to integrate AI-enabled solutions and generative AI into their operations over the next five years. Research indicates that a significant portion of professionals are concerned about the impact of AI on their jobs. Sanders' proposal to reduce the workweek to 32 hours in exchange for increased productivity through AI could alleviate some of these concerns, as it would allow employees to complete their tasks more efficiently without sacrificing pay.

Sanders' call for a shorter workweek is not a radical idea, as several companies around the world have already implemented similar policies with success. For example, 61 companies with a total of 2,900 workers experimented with a four-day workweek. Nineteen of the 23 companies that shared financial information reported stable or increased sales during the study period. Additionally, companies like Kickstarter and Microsoft Japan have seen significant productivity gains from adopting a four-day workweek.

The tech elite also stand to benefit from AI, as it can enhance company productivity and efficiency. This allows companies to take on more tasks or reduce staffing costs. Early adopters of AI solutions, such as IBM, Shopify, and Coca-Cola, have transitioned from using AI for routine tasks to leveraging it to boost employee productivity and accelerate top-line growth.

Sanders' proposal to use AI to benefit workers aligns with the broader trend of AI adoption in the industry. Companies are increasingly integrating AI solutions to enhance productivity and efficiency. The global AI market is expected to continue growing, with AI adoption increasing by up to 20% each year. Generative AI use has also seen a significant rise, with companies reporting a 3.7x return on every dollar spent on such technologies.