AI job layoffs are here: it's time to revive the push for shorter working hours
7 hours ago
- #productivity
- #AI and jobs
- #working hours
- Atlassian announces layoffs of 10% of its staff, sparking debate on AI's impact on jobs.
- AI has significantly increased productivity in the software industry, with tools like Claude enhancing developer efficiency.
- Historical context shows technological progress initially increased work hours, but later led to reductions, such as the eight-hour day.
- Unions and governments historically drove reductions in working hours, but progress stalled in the late 20th century.
- Remote work during the pandemic demonstrated the possibility of radical changes in work patterns, though not universally applied.
- Current political resistance to shorter work weeks and remote work highlights inequities in benefiting from productivity gains.
- AI's productivity improvements risk benefiting corporations over workers unless working hours are reduced.