Sam Altman says AI won't shorten the workweek because humans secretly enjoy being busy

Sam Altman said AI may boost productivity, but it will not lead to a broadly shorter workweek because people will keep setting new goals and competing.

In a podcast interview, he argued that technology may make work easier, yet humans will still want to stay busy.

Critics point to four-day workweek trials and labor concerns as evidence that AI gains should translate into less time on the job.

The remarks reignite the debate over whether productivity gains become more leisure or more output and competition.