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Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban recently suggested how artificial intelligence (AI) could impact working life x post That “smart, big companies” can cut the number of hours employees work each day.
“To start, they will reduce their work day by one hour,” Cuban wrote, adding that employees will still receive the same pay. Here’s a look at whether AI could really shorten the work week and how it could affect your pay.
Impact of AI on working hours
Although Cuban has focused on shorter workdays – for example starting the day at 10 a.m. instead of 9 a.m. – many other business experts have suggested that AI will lead to shorter workdays in many industries.
One of those experts is Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase. In November 2025, Dimon addressed the topic at the Americas Business Forum, Luck Informed.
“My guess is that in 20, 30, 40 years the developed world will be working three-and-a-half days a week and their lives will be wonderful,” Dimon said.
Others hope the four-day workweek will arrive even sooner.
In the US, AI could “potentially automate” tasks that account for about one-quarter of all working hours, according to one report. goldman sachs research. This could accelerate the transition to the four-day workweek in the same way that COVID-19 created a huge increase in remote work.
How will salaries be affected?
As Cuban notes, many companies can still pay their employees the same amount even if they work an hour less each day. Other experts also say that even if AI reduces work schedules, it is not necessary to reduce salaries.
Jared Lindzon and Joe O’Connor, co-authors of “Do More in Four: Why It’s Time for a Shorter Workweek,” recently reported Harvard Business Review “Pay often stays the same” when AI reduces weekly working hours from 40 to 32.
The main impact will be on paid time off (PTO), as some employers reduce the number of PTO days as the workweek shortens. However, for hourly workers, fewer hours will translate into lower pay.
What happens if your salary is cut?
If you find yourself with shorter working hours and lower pay due to AI – the obvious solution is to fill the gap with other income sources. This could come in the form of part-time work, side hustles, investment opportunities, or other means.
In fact The employment site recently listed 16 side jobs you can do while still working a full-time job. Its suggestions include working as an online transcriptionist, selling used items, becoming a pet sitter, driving for a ride-share company, becoming a tutor, providing handyman services, and working as a freelance writer or blogger.