For over 100 years, the majority of people in the United States have worked five days each week. This schedule was created when most jobs involved hard, physical labor and when technology was not as advanced as it is now. Today, with new technology and changing ideas about work and health, many people are asking if a four-day workweek would be better suited for the modern worker. A shorter workweek could help people be more productive, feel healthier, protect the environment and even support the economy.
Some people think working fewer days means getting less done, but studies show that’s not true. In 2019, Microsoft Japan tried a four-day workweek. According to CNN, workers did their jobs in fewer hours, but completed 40% more (CNN). They focused better, had shorter meetings and used technology to save time. Iceland also tested shorter work hours with over 2,500 workers and found that productivity stayed the same or improved (BBC). These examples show that, when people work fewer hours, they frequently use their time more wisely.
Working five long days in a row can leave employees tired and stressed. This means that they have less energy for family, friends and fun activities. With a four-day workweek, people have more time to rest, exercise and enjoy life. In a study in the UK, over 3,000 workers from 73 companies worked for four days a week. Most workers felt less stressed and enjoyed their jobs more (The Guardian). After the study, 92% of the companies decided to keep the new schedule. In turn, these happy workers often do better work and stay at their jobs longer.
Fewer work days mean fewer commutes. In the UK study, people spent 27% less time commuting (The Guardian). If people drive less frequently, they create less pollution. This is especially important in the United States, where millions of people drive to work every day. In fact, the average American commute is 27 minutes. Using less gas helps the planet and can save people money. Offices also use less electricity when closed for an extra day, which is an added benefit for the environment.
Some business owners worry that paying the same wages for fewer hours is not fair. What they fail to recognize, though, is that workers who are happier and healthier as a result of fewer work days tend to take fewert sick days and do better work. In the aforementioned UK study, companies reported greater customer satisfaction and a newfound ease in finding good workers to hire (BBC). In the United States, where many companies struggle to maintain employees long-term, this could be a huge advantage, especially for businesses in a cut-throat industry. When people have an extra day off, they also often shop, travel or eat at restaurants, which helps local businesses.
More people in the U.S. are talking about changing the workweek than ever before. Some lawmakers have even been pushing for legislation–such as the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act–to be passed. This law would lower the standard workweek from 40 to 32 hours without cutting pay (NBC News). Supporters believe this would encourage companies to work smarter and use more advanced technology to do their jobs more efficiently and effectively. While some jobs, like those of doctors or store clerks, might need special alterations to this plan, many with office jobs could easily switch to a four-day schedule as proposed in this bill.
Switching to a four-day workweek could make life better for many Americans. Studies show that people can get more work done in less time, feel happier, help the environment and boost the economy. With technology improving how we work, it is time to think about what schedule works best for people today. A four-day workweek is not just about working less; it is about working smarter and living a healthier, happier life.
