Adopting a four-day workweek may encourage employees to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, according to the authors of a new book advocating for this innovative approach. As companies invest heavily in AI technologies, some workers have expressed resistance, fearing job displacement. The authors suggest that sharing the benefits of AI through a shorter workweek could help alleviate these concerns.
In an interview with Business Insider, coauthor Jared Lindzon of the book “Do More in Four” emphasized that allowing employees to work four days for five days’ pay could create a sense of shared success. By providing more leisure time, workers may feel more inclined to support AI initiatives, seeing them as beneficial rather than threatening.
The resistance to AI adoption is significant. A survey conducted in early 2025 by IT company Kyndryl revealed that 45% of CEOs from eight countries reported employee pushback against AI. This cultural resistance, described as “emotional friction,” presents a major challenge for companies eager to improve efficiency with AI technologies, as noted by the Boston Consulting Group.
In the face of such resistance, some business leaders have expressed frustration. For instance, Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, stated in 2025 that he had taken drastic measures, including terminating employees who resisted AI adoption. Similarly, the head of software company IgniteTech lamented the difficulties of changing employee mindsets, resulting in substantial workforce reductions.
As companies integrate AI into their operations, the nature of work is shifting. Joe O’Connor, Lindzon’s coauthor, pointed out that the demand for skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability will grow as AI takes over routine tasks. He argued that enhancing employee well-being and motivation is crucial, and a four-day workweek could support these objectives.
The potential for shorter workweeks has garnered attention from various sectors. Prominent figures, including Bill Gates, have suggested that AI could ultimately lead to a significant reduction in working hours. Gates has even speculated that work may shrink to a two-day week, while Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan has predicted 3.5-day workweeks as a possibility. Jensen Huang of Nvidia has also acknowledged that the technology could facilitate more time away from traditional work settings.
Political leaders are also weighing in on the issue. In 2024, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders introduced legislation aimed at standardizing the workweek to 32 hours, citing efficiency gains from advancements like AI.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the four-day workweek, widespread adoption remains limited. Many employers continue to exert considerable influence over the job market. O’Connor noted that while adoption rates were lower in 2025 compared to 2023, there has been a notable increase in interest in shorter workweeks since the pandemic reshaped workplace norms.
Some business leaders are hesitant to relinquish potential productivity gains. Umesh Ramakrishnan, cofounder of executive search firm Kingsley Gate, explained that many CEOs prioritize maximizing revenue and profit over providing employees with additional time off. He stated, “If you have a day to spare, get me more revenue, get me more profit,” highlighting the tension between employee welfare and corporate growth.
In contrast, Lindzon argues that encouraging employees to be more effective—essentially asking them to embrace a four-day workweek—could foster a collaborative spirit. He believes this approach shifts the conversation from a top-down mandate to a mutually beneficial partnership, where employees feel included in the process.
As discussions about AI and workplace structures evolve, the concept of the four-day workweek emerges as a potential solution to drive acceptance of new technologies among employees. It suggests that the future of work could be not only about efficiency but also about well-being and shared success.
