Zoom CEO Eric Yuan thinks that the transformation that artificial intelligence will create in the business world will not be limited to productivity only. According to him, this technological change will also directly affect working hours. He shared these views at the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 event in San Francisco. According to Yuan, thanks to artificial intelligence, people will be able to complete their work by working only three or four days a week.
One of the most important features that Yuan drew attention to is the artificial intelligence-based “digital twin” technology developed by Zoom. These virtual avatars, which can replace users, can speak on behalf of the user in certain situations. This system was tested in a meeting held by Yuan himself with investors. Part of the conversation was conducted through the digital twin. This example brought the role of artificial intelligence in the business world back into discussion. Because we are no longer talking about just an intermediary technology, but a system that can interact directly.
Zoom integrates artificial intelligence into its productivity solutions
Eric Yuan states that digital avatars can be used not only for presentations but also in more complex processes such as business meetings and negotiations. For example, the first phase of a contract negotiation between two managers can be conducted through these digital twins. People can only be involved at the decision stage. This provides a great advantage in terms of saving time and focusing. In addition to all this, the automation of internal company processes also accelerates. Thus, the operational burden on employees can be reduced to some extent.
Another area Yuan highlights is email management. Nowadays, e-mail boxes can cause a waste of time for most employees. However, artificial intelligence can also come into play at this point. The system can analyze incoming messages and sort them in order of priority. In this way, the employee spares time for messages that really need to be answered. The remaining messages are either answered automatically or reminded at a convenient time.
Whiteboard applications, collaborative documents and meeting notes, which are among Zoom’s productivity solutions, are also integrated with artificial intelligence. Yuan states that these products still require manual use in their current form. However, in the long term, all these systems will be automated. In this way, it will be possible to save time and employees will be able to focus only on strategic work. Because repetitive tasks will become manageable by machines over time. This can move the overall business structure to a more efficient point.
Its answer to the investment question posed to Yuan clearly reveals the company’s orientations. The phrase “artificial intelligence, artificial intelligence and artificial intelligence again” is an indication of the importance Zoom attaches to this field. Only artificial intelligence is discussed in long-term meetings held weekly within the company. In these sessions, which products will be developed and in which areas more automation can be provided are evaluated. According to Yuan, this is not just a technological investment, but also a redefinition of work culture.
However, the speed of this transformation does not depend solely on technological developments. Corporate policies, employee expectations and legal regulations will determine the direction of this process. No matter how advanced artificial intelligence is, a human-centered framework is required to use it effectively. Because technology can only become functional on a certain social basis. However, current developments show that this framework is rapidly taking shape.
On the other hand, although Yuan’s prediction of working three to four days a week may seem like a distant goal at first glance, these practices are already being tested in some business models. Especially people working in creative and knowledge-based sectors are already seeking to increase productivity with flexible working arrangements.