Meta CTO: AI-driven time savings not for vacation

Meta Platforms' Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, has indicated that the increased productivity achieved through artificial intelligence (AI) should not be used to secure additional vacation time. Bosworth believes that the time saved by employees should be dedicated to software development and the creation of new products for Meta's user base.

Bosworth's remarks were made during an employee Q&A session in July, as reported by Business Insider. An employee inquired whether the efficiency gains from AI could lead to more time off, potentially reinstating the previously used "Meta Days" holiday plan. Bosworth responded that while Meta's work is demanding, employees should focus on developing products used by billions daily.

"I want us to use the extra time to do more and cooler things for the people that use our products every day," Bosworth was quoted as saying. He also urged employees to stop asking about "Meta Days," calling the question "really dumb." He later apologized for being "overly harsh" with the employee.

Meta provides its employees with four weeks of paid vacation annually, in addition to public holidays. Following the discontinuation of "Meta Days," the company introduced two "flex days" that employees can choose to take at their discretion. Bosworth's comments come amid broader discussions in the tech industry regarding AI's impact on productivity and working conditions.

There is ongoing debate about whether AI will lead to increased workloads or more leisure time. Some predict that AI could result in employees doing more with fewer resources. Others believe AI may free up more time for people to spend with their families.