Mark Cuban Says AI Could Shorten the Workweek: How Would That Impact Your Paycheck?
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Vance Cariaga
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Jenna Klaverweiden
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Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban recently weighed in on how artificial intelligence (AI) might impact working life, suggesting in an X post that “smart, bigger companies” could cut the number of hours employees put in each day.
“They will reduce their work day by an hour to start,” Cuban wrote, adding that employees will still get the same paycheck. Here’s a look at whether AI really could shorten the workweek and how that might impact your paycheck.
AI’s Impact on Work Hours
Although Cuban focused on shorter workdays — beginning the day at 10 a.m. rather than 9 a.m., for example — plenty of other business experts have suggested that AI will lead to a shorter workweek across numerous industries.
One of those experts is JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon. In November 2025, Dimon addressed the topic at the America Business Forum, Fortune reported.
“My guess is the developed world will be working three and a half days a week in 20, 30, 40 years, and have wonderful lives,” Dimon said.
Others expect a four-day workweek to arrive much sooner than that.
In the U.S., AI can “potentially automate” tasks that account for roughly one-quarter of all work hours, according to a report from Goldman Sachs Research. This could speed the transition to four-day workweeks in much the same way that COVID-19 produced a steep rise in remote work.
How Will Pay Be Affected?
As Cuban noted, many companies can still pay their workers the same amount even if they work one fewer hour each day. Other experts also say wages don’t necessarily have to go down even if AI reduces work schedules.
Jared Lindzon and Joe O’Connor, co-authors of “Do More in Four: Why It’s Time for a Shorter Workweek,” recently told the Harvard Business Review that “salaries often remain the same” when AI reduces weekly work hours to 32 from 40.
The main impact would be on paid time off (PTO), as some employers reduce the number of PTO days when workweeks are shortened. For hourly employees, however, fewer hours would translate into less pay.
What If Your Pay Gets Cut?
If you find yourself with fewer work hours due to AI — and lower pay — the obvious solution is to fill in the gap with other income sources. This could come in the form of part-time work, side hustles, investment opportunities or other means.
The Indeed employment site recently listed 16 side jobs you can do while still working a full-time job. Among its suggestions are to work as an online transcriptionist, sell used items, become a pet sitter, drive for a ride-share company, become a tutor, offer handyperson services, and work as a freelance writer or blogger.
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