Exploring the Future of Work: Will People Work Fewer Hours?

In recent decades, discussions about the potential impact of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) on employment have intensified. Many people wonder if these technologies will lead to a significant reduction in working hours. To what extent do we agree with this outlook?

My Personal Experience with Clerical Work

With over 40 years of experience in clerical and administrative roles, I have observed firsthand the changes brought about by technological advancements. In the 1950s and 1960s, concerns about the impending mass unemployment due to the proliferation of computers became more frequent. It was suggested that the division of work should become more focused on reducing work hours rather than wealth distribution.

However, the implementation of the paperless office never materialized, and neither did significant unemployment levels or substantial changes in working hours on a societal scale. What has instead increased is the demand for higher quality, more precise information, efficient processes, and production techniques. The desire for improved living standards continues to drive new opportunities, which can only be realized through the efforts of all involved.

Historical Context of Work Hours

When examining the historical context, it's fascinating to note that before the advent of written records, our understanding of work conditions is limited. However, skeletal evidence from hunter-gatherers suggests they enjoyed a nutritious and varied diet and generally lived healthy lives. The shift to agriculture around 10,000 years ago marked a significant change in work conditions, as farming required claiming land and developing tools, leading to territorial conflicts and increased population density, which brought about disease and a feudal system where most people labored long hours with unvaried diets.

Throughout written history, life conditions for the majority remained difficult until the mid to late 1800s, when modern medicine significantly increased lifespans. Nevertheless, the trend in technology reducing average working hours over the past 200 years is clear. The introduction of machinery, automation, and more recently, computers and AI has allowed us to become more productive, leading to fewer necessary working hours.

Trends and Predictions: Continued Reduction in Working Hours

My expectation, based on historical trends and ongoing technological advancements, is that we will continue to see a reduction in working hours over the next few decades. Automation and AI are set to transform the way we work, allowing individuals to achieve more with less time.

The overall trend in the last 200 years has been a clear reduction in average working hours, driven by technological advancements. As AI and automation continue to advance, we can anticipate this trend to persist. While every community and industry may not experience the same reduction in working hours, the general expectation is for a continued decrease in the average weekly working hours.

Conclusion

While the exact extent of the reduction in working hours remains uncertain, the likelihood of this trend continuing is high. As technology evolves, we should continue to see improvements in productivity and efficiency, which will allow us to work fewer hours while maintaining, if not improving, our standard of living.