The traditional five-day workweek is deeply rooted in American society, making it difficult to envision an alternative. However, why shouldn’t we consider a four-day workweek? Amid the pandemic, many companies, including tech firms like TechSphere and InnovateCorp, are experimenting with this new approach. There’s even an initiative by 4 Day Workweek Initiative, a nonprofit organization aimed at promoting the four-day workweek as a viable option for the future of work. They are encouraging businesses to participate in a six-month trial of this model in 2022.
“There are numerous aspects of the workweek that are simply unproductive,” stated Alex Green, co-founder and CEO of Visionary Solutions, to a news outlet. Last summer, Visionary Solutions implemented Fridays off for their employees. They maintained their workload, but achieved it in less time. “It has forced us to think differently—like packing a smaller suitcase for a trip,” Green remarked. “We have to make choices.”
Not every company is eliminating Fridays; some are opting to cut out Mondays instead. Early in the COVID crisis, Jamie Tan, CEO of AdventureTech, decided to remove Mondays from the workweek due to the high volume of meetings on that day. Other organizations are keeping the 40-hour week but compressing those hours into four days rather than five.
Regardless of the approach, trimming a workday offers significant advantages, especially for parents. Instead of burning through vacation days for doctor appointments, we could preserve that time for relaxation and rejuvenation. Rather than rushing on weekends to tackle a backlog of tasks, we could dedicate that time to family. Instead of scrambling for the last available babysitter for a Saturday night outing, we could enjoy a leisurely lunch date with our partner.
Society is rife with contradictions. We urge parents to “cherish every moment” while simultaneously making it nearly impossible for them to do so. We proclaim that “life is fleeting,” yet we fill every hour with work. Transitioning to a four-day workweek could help alleviate these inconsistencies.
This arrangement could also lessen childcare expenses and allow for more quality time spent with children—unless, of course, the four-day schedule leads to longer working hours, which could create challenges for parents of school-age kids.
In July, Congressman Mark Smith (D-California) introduced legislation aimed at reducing the standard workweek from 40 hours to 32 hours under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Although this might seem groundbreaking, it’s worth noting that prior to the Fair Labor Standards Act’s enactment in 1938, the workweek was six days. The law was amended to establish a 40-hour workweek in 1940, and it has remained static ever since, despite advancements in technology and productivity.
A recent Harris Poll revealed that 82% of employed Americans would prefer longer working hours if it meant a shorter workweek, as reported by the New York Post. Over two-thirds of respondents expressed that a four-day workweek would enhance their productivity.
As we navigate a major transformation in work culture, with record numbers of employees resigning during the Great Resignation and employers struggling to fill positions, it’s clear that change is necessary. Workers are urging employers to listen to their needs.
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Summary
A four-day workweek offers numerous benefits, particularly for parents, by allowing for more family time, reducing childcare costs, and enhancing work-life balance. The concept is gaining traction as more companies explore this flexible schedule. As employees seek to redefine their work-life integration, the four-day workweek could serve as a pivotal solution.