Something You Should Know Episode: Futurology: The Forces That Shape Your Future & Where's the 4-Day Workweek?
Host: Mike Carruthers
Release Date: June 19, 2025

Introduction

In this insightful episode of Something You Should Know, host Mike Carruthers delves into two compelling topics: the intricate world of futurology and the burgeoning movement towards a four-day workweek. Through engaging conversations with experts Glenn Adamson and Juliet Schor, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how predictions shape our future and the transformative potential of altering work structures.

Part 1: Futurology – Understanding the Forces That Shape Your Future

Guest: Glenn Adamson – Former Director of the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, Senior Scholar at the Yale Center for British Art, and author of Century of How Imagining the Future Shapes the Present.

The Nature of Futurology

Glenn Adamson begins by dissecting the concept of futurology, emphasizing that it involves professionals attempting to predict future events across various sectors, including insurance, fashion, military, and urban planning.

"Futurology is the professional practice of telling people what is going to happen. It grew significantly over the 20th century, encompassing fields from insurance executives to trend forecasters."
— Glenn Adamson [06:30]

Adamson highlights that despite the vast industry dedicated to predictions, futurologists do not possess superior insight compared to the average person. Instead, they employ quasi-scientific methods to make their forecasts appear more credible and persuasive.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecies and Influence

A key concept discussed is the self-fulfilling prophecy, where the act of predicting an outcome can inadvertently cause it to occur. Adamson cites mid-20th-century trend forecasters who influenced the colors and styles of consumer products merely by their predictions, thereby shaping market trends as a result.

"People can make claims about expertise, and that becomes a greater influence in our lives over the course of the last century."
— Glenn Adamson [09:19]

This phenomenon raises questions about the true power of predictions: Are futurologists merely observers, or do their forecasts actively shape reality?

Pop Culture’s Role in Shaping the Future

Mike Carruthers introduces the idea that science fiction and popular media, such as Blade Runner and The Jetsons, play a significant role in envisioning future possibilities. Adamson concurs, noting that while these depictions are not precise predictions, they influence the aspirations and innovations of future technologists and entrepreneurs.

"Movies like Blade Runner not only reflect their own time but also inspire future technological advancements and societal changes."
— Glenn Adamson [10:58]

Challenges in Predicting the Future

Adamson addresses the inherent unpredictability of future events, using stock market predictions as a prime example. Despite being a billion-dollar industry, stock forecasting often fails to outperform market averages, illustrating the limitations and uncertainties inherent in futurology.

"Predicting stocks is a losing game, yet we continue to do it because of the allure of gaining an advantage and the human desire to know the unknown."
— Glenn Adamson [14:33]

The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of global events, drastically altering economic and social landscapes in unforeseen ways.

Notable Futurologists

Adamson pays homage to influential figures in futurology, such as Buckminster Fuller and H.G. Wells. Fuller’s concepts like "Spaceship Earth" encapsulate the interconnectedness and fragility of our planet, while Wells’ prescient writings on warfare eerily mirrored the onset of World War II.

"Buckminster Fuller stands out as a visionary thinker whose ideas continue to resonate and influence modern perspectives on sustainability and global responsibility."
— Glenn Adamson [25:35]

Part 2: The Four-Day Workweek – A Transformative Approach to Employment

Guest: Juliet Schor – Economist and Professor of Sociology at Boston College, author of Four Days: The Life-Changing Solution for Reducing Employee Stress, Improving Well-Being, and Working Smarter.

Rising Momentum for a Four-Day Workweek

Juliet Schor discusses the growing acceptance and implementation of a four-day workweek. Originally viewed as utopian, the concept has gained tangible support, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for better work-life balance.

"The pandemic changed the conversation around the four-day week from aspirational to common sense."
— Juliet Schor [33:32]

Benefits for Employees and Employers

Schor outlines the multifaceted benefits of a four-day workweek. Employees experience reduced stress, improved well-being, and increased job satisfaction. Surprisingly, employers also benefit through enhanced productivity, reduced turnover rates, and improved service quality.

"Employees love it, but the really surprising thing is that the companies love it too. They are thriving along with the employees."
— Juliet Schor [34:21]

She emphasizes that the success of this model hinges on thoughtful implementation, where companies reorganize workflows to maintain or even increase productivity within the reduced timeframe.

Implementation Strategies and Challenges

Transitioning to a four-day workweek requires meticulous planning. Schor describes a model where companies engage in a two-month work reorganization process, identifying inefficiencies and restructuring tasks to fit the new schedule without sacrificing output.

"Companies go through months of planning to reorganize work, eliminate time-wasting activities, and prioritize essential tasks."
— Juliet Schor [36:00]

Schor also addresses industry-specific challenges, such as in the service sector (e.g., restaurants and healthcare), where maintaining operations requires innovative staffing solutions like hiring additional employees or upskilling existing staff.

"In industries like restaurants, companies hire more staff or upskill current employees to cover operational hours without compromising service quality."
— Juliet Schor [37:48]

Employee and Employer Perspectives

From the employee standpoint, the four-day workweek leads to higher productivity and better mental health. Employers notice that workers are more engaged and efficient, countering traditional economic models that predict a loss in productivity with reduced work hours.

"People are so much more on top of their work while they're at work, leading to higher productivity and less burnout."
— Juliet Schor [51:10]

Schor counters criticisms of the four-day workweek by sharing that only a small percentage of companies revert to the traditional schedule after trials, often due to external economic pressures rather than the efficacy of the model itself.

"About 10% of companies revert to a five-day week after trials, often influenced by economic downturns rather than the four-day week's performance."
— Juliet Schor [48:19]

Future Implications and Societal Impact

Looking ahead, Schor speculates on the potential for even shorter workweeks as AI and automation continue to evolve, further reducing the need for human labor. She stresses the importance of ensuring that the additional free time is utilized in meaningful and socially productive ways, enhancing overall quality of life.

"As productivity increases, the key question is how we use our additional free time to enrich our lives and communities."
— Juliet Schor [49:26]

Conclusion

This episode of Something You Should Know provides a thought-provoking exploration of how our attempts to predict the future can both shape and be shaped by societal trends. Additionally, the discussion on the four-day workweek offers a hopeful glimpse into a more balanced and productive approach to modern employment. Through the expertise of Glenn Adamson and Juliet Schor, listeners are encouraged to reflect on the dynamic interplay between foresight, innovation, and workplace transformation.

"The future is already here. It's just not very well distributed."
— Glenn Adamson [22:07]

"The four-day workweek is a win-win, enhancing employee well-being while simultaneously benefiting employers through increased productivity and reduced turnover."
— Juliet Schor [34:21]

For more enlightening discussions and practical advice to enhance your life, tune into Something You Should Know with Mike Carruthers.