A four day workweek trial in Microsoft subsidiary in Japan led to 40% boost in productivity. The company said it also reduced the time spent in meetings by implementing a 30-minute limit and encouraging remote communication. 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? The latest Chief Economists' Outlook includes a upbeat outlook on AI-related productivity gains. We asked three experts to expand on where and when those will emerge.

Key Insights

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. 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.

Final Thoughts

By considering different scenarios and their strategic implications, this report offers decision-makers a ... Thriving Workplaces: How Employers can Improve Productivity and Change Lives 2025 explores how investing in workforce health generates measurable benefits for businesses, employees and societies. 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. Cluster ...