Dear MEL Topic Readers,
The realities of the four-day workweek
Until about 100 years ago when Ford Motor Company introduced the five-day workweek, most workers went to work six days a week. Gradually, more companies, factories, and individuals adopted the practice and by the end of the century, the five-day workweek became a common work practice in many parts of the world. But why five days, not four days? Though the debates and trials for a shorter workweek have been on and off for some time, a 2020 survey shows only 5% of US full-time employees worked shorter than five days. It is generally thought that the potential benefits of the four-day workweek are better work-life balance and improved well-being. However, in some cases, workers feel pressured to do the same tasks in fewer days and end up adding more hours to workdays. While these problems might have been experienced when the six-day workweek shifted to five-day, cutting the time by 20% to do the same job seems like a bigger challenge. Indeed, without improving productivity and work efficiency, one might end up working 10 hours each day, which seems too long for most workers. Still, working fewer days surely brings some irresistible benefits and well-being.
Enjoy reading the article and think if you prefer working harder in fewer days.
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220322-the-realities-of-the-four-day-workweek
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