The mass adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform society in ways we are only beginning to grasp. One of the most debated consequences of widespread AI integration is its potential to significantly reduce the need for human labour. As automation and AI systems take over more tasks, two major societal shifts could emerge: the widespread adoption of a four-day work week and the introduction of universal basic income (UBI).

But how realistic are these changes? Are we on the brink of a work revolution, or are these ideas still a distant dream? Let’s explore the possibilities.

The 4-Day Work Week: A Near-Future Reality?

The push for a four-day work week has been gaining traction in recent years, even without mass AI adoption. Studies have shown that reducing the work week can lead to increased productivity, improved employee well-being, and a better work-life balance. Companies and governments worldwide have been experimenting with this model, with promising results.

With AI automating repetitive tasks and optimizing workflows, the argument for a shorter work week becomes even stronger. Many white-collar jobs involve a significant amount of administrative and logistical work—tasks AI can handle efficiently. As businesses adopt AI-powered solutions, they may realize that employees can achieve the same output in fewer hours.

Japan, Iceland, and the UK have all tested four-day work weeks with overwhelmingly positive outcomes. In Japan, Microsoft reported a 40% boost in productivity when it trialed the model. In Iceland, nearly 90% of the workforce now enjoys reduced working hours with no loss of pay.

If AI continues to drive productivity gains, it seems likely that more industries will shift toward shorter work weeks. However, widespread adoption will depend on labour laws, corporate mindsets, and economic structures. Some industries—such as healthcare, logistics, and retail—may struggle to implement a four-day model without major restructuring.

When Could It Happen?

While a four-day work week could become the norm in knowledge-based industries within the next 10-20 years, full adoption across all sectors may take decades. AI will accelerate the process, but societal and political factors will determine how quickly it becomes reality.

Universal Basic Income: A Distant Dream or an Inevitable Future?

UBI—the concept of providing all citizens with a guaranteed income regardless of employment status—has been a controversial idea for decades. Proponents argue that as AI and automation eliminate jobs, a financial safety net will be necessary to prevent widespread poverty and social unrest.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced governments to experiment with stimulus payments and emergency financial support, which resembled a temporary form of UBI. These measures helped millions survive economic downturns and reignited discussions about permanent basic income programs.

With AI-driven job displacement on the horizon, could UBI become a necessary policy? Some experts believe that if automation eliminates a significant portion of jobs, governments will have no choice but to implement some form of guaranteed income.

However, there are major obstacles:

1. Funding – Who pays for UBI? Most proposals suggest higher taxes on corporations, particularly AI-driven companies that benefit from automation.
2. Public Perception – Many people worry that guaranteed income will reduce motivation to work. However, small-scale UBI experiments have shown that recipients often continue working, using the money to invest in education or start businesses.
3. Political Will – Many governments resist the idea due to concerns about economic feasibility and the long-standing belief that work should be the primary means of earning a living.

When Could It Happen?

Unlike the four-day work week, UBI is much further from becoming mainstream. While small-scale experiments are happening in countries like Finland, Canada, and the US, large-scale implementation is unlikely in the next 20-30 years unless AI-driven job displacement becomes a crisis.

Will AI-Driven Productivity Force These Changes?

The big question is whether AI will eliminate enough jobs to make these changes necessary. While AI will undoubtedly transform industries, it may not lead to widespread joblessness in the short term. Instead, it will likely shift the nature of work—some jobs will disappear, but new ones will emerge.

However, if AI advances to the point where human labour becomes largely unnecessary for economic productivity, society will have to adapt. In that case, both a shorter work week and some form of UBI could become inevitable.

The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: AI will be a key driver of societal change. Whether we transition to a more balanced workweek or redefine how we earn a living, the decisions we make in the coming years will shape the world AI helps create.