In a recent Bloomberg interview, Jamie Dimon, the visionary leader, shared his prediction of a future where the conventional workweek shrinks to just three days. His rationale for this bold assertion revolves around the evolving landscape of technology. According to Dimon, these technological advancements will empower us by relieving us of tedious, time-consuming tasks that consume our daily routines. However, we don’t need to wait for AI to reach full potential to start enjoying the benefits of this insight.
Dimon has inadvertently revealed a powerful formula for working more efficiently. This methodology might just be the catalyst we need to shift away from the traditional five-day workweek toward his envisioned three-day workweek – and the best part is, it doesn’t require AI.
What makes this approach even more compelling is its simplicity and applicability to every business. It revolves around three fundamental principles:
- Clarify Roles and Responsibilities: AI excels in performing its designated tasks because it operates within well-defined parameters. In contrast, human roles often blur as individuals take on various responsibilities that extend beyond their primary roles. For instance, an accountant might find themselves playing the role of an office manager while the office manager indulges in non-work-related activities. This flexibility can be valuable, but it can also lead to thankless tasks that hinder job performance. To maximise efficiency, businesses must define clear roles for their employees.
- Match Tasks to Skill Levels: Employees are hired based on their skills, expertise, and experience. Yet, many find themselves burdened with menial tasks that are beneath their skill level. This not only hampers their job satisfaction but also makes them susceptible to boredom and burnout. Employers need to appreciate the value of their employees’ time and resources. Assigning tasks that don’t match their qualifications is an inefficient use of resources and can negatively impact employee morale and growth.
- Create a Focused Work Environment: Just like AI, humans need clear directives and uninterrupted time to excel in their roles. Frequent interruptions, distractions, and irrelevant tasks erode productivity. Gallup reports that a majority of employees are uncertain about their job expectations. Without clearly defined expectations, employees tend to waste time on unnecessary activities, extending the workweek. Establishing roles and expectations not only paves the way for a shorter workweek but also saves money, boosts efficiency, enhances employee morale, and mitigates burnout.
