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Forget the four-day workweek: Despite what Bill Gates and Elon Musk predict, the CEO of the world’s largest workspace provider says it’s not happening
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-20 15:21
Group 1: Predictions on Workweek Changes - Prominent figures like Bill Gates, Jamie Dimon, Jensen Huang, and Elon Musk predict a reduction in the workweek due to automation, potentially leading to a four-day workweek or even a two-day workweek proposed by Gates [1] - In contrast, Mark Dixon, CEO of International Workplace Group, argues that the current economic climate and rising costs make it unlikely for companies to reduce working hours [2][3] Group 2: Economic Factors Influencing Labor Costs - Dixon highlights that the U.S. and U.K. are facing significant cost-of-living crises, which compel businesses to control labor costs as operational expenses rise [3] - Companies are unable to reduce working hours while maintaining the same wage levels, as they cannot pass increased costs onto customers, leading to a need for greater productivity from employees [3] Group 3: Impact of AI on Work - Elon Musk envisions a future where work becomes optional, but Dixon counters that AI may actually lead to an increase in work rather than a decrease [4][5] - Historical context is provided by Dixon, referencing the Industrial Revolution where technological advancements initially caused fear of job loss but ultimately led to new opportunities and job creation [6][7]