AI Productivity Gains Mainly Benefit People at the Top

The author argues that, as with past productivity-boosting technologies, generative AI is raising baseline work expectations rather than delivering shorter workweeks or more free time, citing Salesforce cutting roles from 9,000 to about 5,000 while announcing a $20 billion share repurchase increase, and an Upwork study in which 77% of employees using AI said it added to their workload. The author, who does technical customer support, says they resolve more tickets with AI but received no time back or extra compensation, and that wages have long lagged productivity gains.