Bill Gates, Microsoft founder and philanthropic billionaire, envisions an optimistic future where artificial intelligence (AI) takes over much of the mundane work, potentially enabling a 3-day workweek for many. He shared this view recently on Trevor Noah’s podcast.
With AI and automation advancing rapidly, Gates believes “machines can make all the food and the stuff.” This could free up human capacity for more meaningful work while ensuring basic needs are met. “You don’t have to work so hard,” said Gates about this AI-enabled future. “If you eventually get a society where you only have to work three days a week, that’s probably OK.”
Gates: AI Will Bring Productivity Gains, Not Job Losses
Unlike some prognosticators warning of massive job losses from AI, Gates sees it bringing welcome productivity gains. He believes it will eliminate dull, repetitive tasks, enabling people to focus on higher-value work.
This view aligns with other tech leaders like IBM’s CEO Arvind Krishna, who said, “People mistake productivity with job displacement.” While some jobs may be automated, new ones can be created, often requiring new skills.
Gates cited the example of how only 2% of Americans now work in farming versus much higher rates a century ago. While technology transformed farming, jobs shifted to new areas rather than disappearing.
The Billionaire philanthropist said with the help of software and AI, “things become more productive.” This productivity can then support positive social goals. As he put it, “Eventually, you can have smaller class sizes and better assist the elderly if you free up human labor.”
Preparing Workers for the AI Future
Gates emphasized that society needs to support workers in acquiring skills for the AI-transformed workplace. “You know, if you have the necessary skills, there is still a need for labor to accomplish good things,” he said.
Education and retraining will be vital to ease the transition and empower workers to take on higher-value roles. Gates previously suggested AI could even help customize education.
Gates has long been an optimist regarding AI’s potential. He ranks its emergence as being as pivotal as the mainstream adoption of PCs and the internet. However, he has also warned of AI’s risks if not developed safely and ethically.
The Billionaire’s Evolving Philosophy on Work
The Microsoft legend reflected more philosophically on the role of work itself, saying the “purpose of life is not just to do jobs.” As humanity progresses, people may no longer need to work as hard just to meet basic needs.
Gates outlined how perspectives on work have shifted across generations. He depicted how a grandfather saw farming as the only “real job,” while later generations took on a variety of professions.
As AI looks set to transform work yet again, Gates welcomes the prospect of less drudgery. And he asks, “If you ever get beyond that, you have a lot of leisure time and you’ll have to figure out what to do with it.”
Early Signs of the 3-Day Workweek
While a 3-day workweek may still be some way off for many, there are early inklings of such a future. More companies have started experimenting with a 4-day week, citing benefits like higher productivity and worker satisfaction.
Fridays off are also gaining traction. American Idol creator Simon Cowell shared he no longer works Fridays, deeming it “pointless.” Samsung now gives employees “Refresh Fridays” off each month.
Iceland and Japan have also made government-level efforts to promote shorter 32-40 hour, 4-day workweeks. Their stated motivations include improving work-life balance and supporting gender equity and parental leave.
The 3-day vision proposed by Gates stems from a place of optimism about human progress. And some companies are already demonstrating the viability of shorter weeks. With AI advancing rapidly, Gates’ predicted future may arrive sooner than we think.
