Giving workers an extra day off a week actually increases productivity, boosts physical and mental health and reduces CO2 emissions. These are some of the surprising benefits of a four-day working week, research shows. Productivity, or lack of it, is a key issue for economies across the globe.

Understanding the Context

Productivity is good for individuals, companies and countries, according to economists. But what does it actually mean? Productivity has ground to a “virtual standstill,” according to the World Economic Forum and Accenture. Here are four potential future scenarios for this vital measure of economic health.

Key Insights

The disconnect between rising productivity and sluggish wages may worsen; ‘Increased inequality’ is among AI-related risks flagged in the latest Chief Economists Outlook. Productivity has historically been a critical driver of economic dynamism and increasing living standards. However, productivity growth has come to a virtual standstill in recent decades, and more than half of the deceleration of global growth since 2008 can be attributed to this slowdown. By considering different scenarios and their strategic implications, this report offers decision-makers a ... The latest Chief Economists' Outlook includes a upbeat outlook on AI-related productivity gains.

Final Thoughts

We asked three experts to expand on where and when those will emerge. With the combined effect of a shrinking workforce and lower productivity, economic growth is slowing, compelling organizations to rethink operations. Incremental efficiency is insufficient; leaders should think in terms of step-change productivity through artificial intelligence (AI) to power growth. High returns come when AI handles operational efficiency, allowing humans to focus on strategy ... Micro, small and medium enterprises contribute about 30% of India's gross domestic product and support over 250 million jobs; but productivity constraints limit profitability and competitiveness. Edge AI is emerging as the most viable pathway for real-time, shop-floor transformation by unlocking improvements in quality, machine maintenance, compliance management and energy efficiency.

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