Technological advancements to reshape working hours

Saturday 22 November 2025 - 16:00

By: Sahili Aya

Technological advancements to reshape working hours

Rapid progress in artificial intelligence and robotics is reshaping global debates about the future of work, with fears of job displacement rising across multiple sectors. While machines are increasingly able to handle repetitive and mechanical tasks—from industrial processes to everyday household functions—experts argue that the long-term impact may not be as bleak as many fear.

Futurist Gerd Leonhard believes that automation could eventually lead to a society where humans work fewer hours while maintaining the same income level. Speaking during Türkiye E-Commerce Week, an event organized by the Trade Ministry along with ETID and TOBB, Leonhard explained that machines will gradually take on most routine tasks, making a shorter working day a realistic possibility within the next two decades.

According to Leonhard, a universal basic income funded through new tax models may become essential as machines replace certain jobs. He emphasized that roles reliant heavily on routine—such as call centers—will be among the first to be automated, with customer interactions likely handled almost entirely by AI-powered systems in the coming years.

However, he stressed that many new opportunities will emerge. Jobs requiring creativity, emotional intelligence, and human intuition—such as therapists, caregivers, teachers, designers, and artists—are expected to grow in importance. “People can't compete with machines on logic,” he said, “but they can surpass them in creativity and human understanding.”

Leonhard also noted that tasks traditionally undervalued or unpaid, including caregiving and social work, may become more recognized and financially supported as society adapts to technological change.

Despite concerns about automation, the futurist expressed optimism for the role of technology in solving major global problems, from cancer research and medical breakthroughs to clean-energy solutions and space exploration. The real challenge, he said, lies not in technological capability but in ensuring global cooperation. By 2030, he added, humanity may reach a point where nearly anything is technologically possible, making responsible collaboration more crucial than ever.

Ultimately, Leonhard maintains that the future remains promising—if societies learn to adapt, innovate, and lean into the uniquely human skills that machines cannot replicate.