Artificial intelligence will enable a shorter workweek, according to Zoom CEO Eric Yuan at the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 conference.
He discussed the integration of AI into the video platform, including a “digital twin” feature—an avatar that can speak on behalf of the user. Yuan demonstrated this during a call with investors to showcase the technology’s potential to “expand the boundaries of communication.”
At the conference, the Zoom chief emphasized that the company is heavily investing in artificial intelligence during the development of new products. The firm believes the technology has the potential to transform the nature of work.
Yuan envisions AI companions being used beyond video calls. He described a future where two business leaders could delegate contract negotiations to their digital twins on Zoom.
“Instead of sitting through a lengthy call, they could send their assistants to work out the plan in advance,” the entrepreneur highlighted.
AI could also assist with email by sorting incoming messages and identifying those that are important and require a response.
“This means we won’t have to work five days a week, right? In five years, it could be three or four days,” Yuan added.
Amazon Layoffs
Amazon is preparing to announce significant staff reductions to cut costs and offset over-hiring during the pandemic, reports Reuters, citing sources.
The layoffs will be the largest in the company’s history, affecting up to 30,000 employees across nearly all divisions.
Over the past two years, the firm has conducted targeted cuts in various departments. In June, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy stated that the increased use of AI tools would lead to further layoffs, as the technology allows for the automation of routine and repetitive tasks.
“This move indicates that Amazon is likely already seeing a significant productivity boost from artificial intelligence,” noted eMarketer analyst Sky Canaves.
He added that the company is also under pressure from short-term financial obligations, needing to offset long-term investments in AI infrastructure development.
In 2025, layoffs in the IT sector have already affected about 128,732 jobs across 218 companies. The total for 2024 was 153,000.
Previously, the White House’s head of artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, David Sacks, dismissed growing concerns about mass layoffs due to AI. He stated that human oversight is still required to create real business value.
Back in August 2024, Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman claimed that in two years, artificial intelligence would be writing code instead of programmers.