The traditional five-day workweek has become a staple in American life, making it challenging to envision an alternative. However, the idea of a four-day workweek is gaining traction. During the pandemic, companies like CreateTech and Innovate Solutions have begun adopting this new model, and initiatives from organizations like 4 Day Week Global are encouraging more businesses to explore this option. This nonprofit community aims to foster support for a four-day workweek as part of the future of work, proposing a six-month trial period for interested companies in 2022.
According to Alex Rogers, co-founder of CreateTech, “Much of the workweek is simply unproductive.” Last summer, CreateTech decided to give their employees Fridays off while still maintaining their workload, leading to enhanced efficiency. “It’s been a transformative experience for us, akin to packing lighter for a trip,” Rogers explained. “We’ve had to prioritize our tasks.”
Not every business is eliminating Fridays; some are targeting Mondays instead. Early in the pandemic, Lisa Hart, CEO of AdventureTech, made the spontaneous decision to remove Mondays from the schedule, as it was the day filled with the most meetings. Other companies are condensing the standard 40-hour workweek into four days.
Regardless of the approach, cutting down on workdays offers significant advantages, particularly for parents. Instead of using vacation days for appointments, families could reserve that time for relaxation and rejuvenation. Rather than rushing through weekends to tackle a backlog of errands, parents could enjoy quality time with their children. Instead of scrambling for a babysitter for a Saturday night out, couples could opt for a lovely lunch date and a movie during the week.
Society often sends mixed messages to parents. We urge them to “cherish every moment,” yet create an environment that makes it difficult to do so. We remind everyone that “life is short,” yet fill every hour with work commitments. Transitioning to a four-day workweek could help alleviate these contradictions.
Additionally, a shorter workweek might reduce childcare expenses and provide more opportunities for family bonding. However, if this change leads to extended hours on the remaining four days, it could complicate childcare arrangements for parents with school-aged children.
Recently, Representative Jamie Turner (D-California) proposed legislation to reduce the standard workweek from 40 to 32 hours under the Fair Labor Standards Act. This shift may seem radical, but it’s worth noting that the workweek was six days before the Fair Labor Standards Act was enacted in 1938, which later established the 40-hour week in 1940. Despite advancements in technology and productivity, this standard has remained unchanged.
Many Americans are in favor of a four-day workweek; a Harris Poll indicated that 82% of employed individuals would prefer longer daily hours for a shorter weekly schedule. Over two-thirds of those surveyed believe that a four-day workweek could boost their productivity.
We are witnessing a significant transformation in work culture. The Great Resignation is an ongoing phenomenon, with record numbers of employees leaving their jobs, and employers are struggling to fill positions. Change is imperative, and workers are demanding that their voices be heard.
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