Artificial intelligence is shaking up the job market faster than any technology since the Internet, and it’s sparking both fear and fascination. Amazon’s recent decision to cut 14,000 jobs worldwide while simultaneously investing heavily in AI has become the latest example of how automation is transforming the modern workplace.
“Some may ask why we’re reducing roles when the company is performing well,” explained Amazon senior vice-president Beth Galetti. “This generation of AI is the most transformative technology we’ve seen since the Internet, and it’s enabling companies to innovate much faster than ever before.”
For many workers, that innovation feels more like a warning. The rise of AI-powered automation threatens to make millions of white-collar jobs obsolete, especially in areas like customer support, data entry, and administration. As one Wall Street Journal piece bluntly put it: “Help not wanted.”
Yet, while some fear a future of mass unemployment, others see an opportunity for a better balance between work and life. Tech leaders like Zoom’s Eric Yuan and Microsoft founder Bill Gates predict AI-driven productivity could shorten the standard work week to four — or even two — days.
Joe O’Connor, CEO of Toronto-based Work Time Revolution, believes that future isn’t far off. Speaking on Closer Look, a new daily podcast from Village Media, O’Connor said, “The future of work is probably going to look a little bit more fractional. In the next five to ten years, the idea of a four-day work week, even if it’s not the new normal, is going to be a lot more normal than it is today.”
Hosted by Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, Closer Look digs deeper than headlines, featuring expert insights, conversations, and stories shaping Canada and beyond. New episodes are released weekdays at 7 p.m. through your local news feed and at closerlookpodcast.ca, as well as on major podcast platforms and social media.
For those watching the future unfold, AI might just be the force that takes jobs away — or gives everyone a little more weekend.