Yes, you heard it here. It is time for us to rethink the five-day workweek. Some of you may be rolling your eyes, shaking your head, and thinking about how the young generation has no work ethic. However, what if, for just a moment, we considered that a shorter work week could improve productivity, and employee satisfaction, and eliminate the Sunday Scaries altogether?
Historical Origins of the Five-Day Work Week
Imagine, a pre-industrial society- hunting, gathering, and farming. Working was related to survival and you worked to survive. This lifestyle pattern drastically shifted by the mid-18th century as the Industrial Revolution picked up speed and workers learned to work alongside machines. By the mid-19th century, it was common for workers to log 70-hour, six-day workweeks in the newly machined factories. Industrialization made manufacturing possible in ways that had not been possible before.
In 1926, car manufacturer extraordinaire, Henry Ford standardized a five-day workweek, instead of the prevalent six days, without reducing employees’ pay (not out of the goodness of his heart, he was afraid of bad press from the Labor Unions). Work hours stabilized at about 49 weeks during the 1920s and during the Great Depression fell below 40. Due to the severity of the depressed economy, President Herbert Hoover called for a reduction in work hours instead of layoffs. It was the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1930 signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which formally established a five-day, 40-hour workweek for many workers. The behind-the-scenes advocacy came off the backs of labor activists who were tired of working 14 hour days and seeking to attempt to gain time back.
The Current Landscape
Despite the formal establishment of a 40-hour work week, many workers today find themselves working much more. A report from the International Labour Organization reveals that the average number of working hours per year in the United States is higher than in six developed countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Belgium, France, and Germany. To put it in perspective, U.S. employees work 400 more hours annually than their German counterparts, equivalent to 10 additional weeks of work.
This excessive work culture is partly due to weakened labor laws that have not kept pace with technological advancements, allowing employers to reach workers around the clock. Additionally, low-wage and hourly workers often face unpredictable schedules that may not provide sufficient hours to sustain a living wage.
The Case for Change
A growing number of American workers, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, are reevaluating their relationship with work. From the trend of “quiet quitting” to outright resignations, it’s evident that dissatisfaction with the current work structure is widespread. Here are several compelling reasons to consider a shorter workweek:
Increased Productivity
Numerous studies have shown that productivity peaks during shorter work weeks. For instance, trials in Iceland and by companies like Microsoft Japan demonstrated significant gains in efficiency and productivity with a four-day workweek. Employees tend to be more focused and motivated when they work fewer hours, leading to higher-quality output.
Improved Mental Health
The pressure of a five-day workweek can have detrimental effects on mental health. Long hours and the stress of balancing work and personal life contribute to burnout, anxiety, and depression. A reduced work week can alleviate these issues, providing employees with more time to recharge and pursue personal interests, ultimately leading to a healthier, happier workforce. In a U.S. pilot study, 69% of employees reported a reduction in burnout, and 40% felt less stressed.
This is compounded by minoritized social identities. According to Women in the Workplace, the largest study on the state of women in corporate America women are disproportionately impacted by burnout than men, women of color, queer women, and women with disabilities are all having worse experiences at work with little room for advancement and mounting responsibilities.
Enhanced Work-Life Balance
A shorter work week allows employees to better balance their professional and personal lives. With more free time, individuals can engage in activities that enrich their lives, such as spending time with family, pursuing hobbies, volunteering, or continuing education. This balance is crucial for long-term satisfaction and overall well-being. The same U.S. pilot study found that 74% of participants were more satisfied with their time, and 60% reported reduced conflict in their lives.
This is compounded by minoritized social identities. Women disproportionately are impacted by burnout than men, women of color are
Environmental Benefits
A personal concern for me and other young millennials and the generations behind us is the impact on our climate. Fewer working days have positive impacts on the environment. Reduced commuting leads to lower carbon emissions, less congestion on the roads, and a decreased impact on flora and fauna. Additionally, companies might be able to reduce their energy consumption by operating fewer days a week, contributing to a true commitment to environmental sustainability.
A Future Beyond the Five-Day Work Week
The conversation doesn’t stop at a four-day work week. Some groups like the New Economics Foundation suggest even shorter work weeks. A three-day workweek could offer even greater benefits, including improved health and well-being, better work-life balance, and increased productivity, while also addressing issues of overwork, underemployment, and over consumption.
The traditional five-day workweek is a relic of a bygone era, increasingly out of step with the needs and capabilities of today’s workforce. Abolishing it in favor of a more flexible, balanced approach can lead to increased productivity, better mental health, and a higher quality of life. As we continue to evolve in how we work, it’s time to embrace a model that reflects our modern realities and aspirations. Let’s take a bold step towards a more sustainable and fulfilling future by rethinking and ultimately abolishing the five-day workweek.
