Four Day Work-Weeks? Why Not.
Okay, so many countries around the world have adopted the four-day work week, and many have done so for decades. Will more companies in the Unites States ever join the club? Maybe. Multiple studies have been done to find out how beneficial four day work weeks can be. In the U.S., companies that require their employees to work only four days out of the week tend to be happier in their career, and personal lives as well. Why, generally because employees feel that they get a chance to spend more time with their families, have time for their spouses, and get to accomplish more over their three day weekends. More studies and research is going into this practice, and more businesses may be following the trend. That's good news for most of us!
However, there is a down fall to four day work-weeks. Most companies will still require you to work forty hour weeks. It also wouldn't work for businesses that are open twenty four hours a day, three-hundred sixty five days a year like hospitals, and pharmacies. (Which we desprately need to always be open)
Here are certain types of businesses that offer four day work-weeks:
- Dentist offices
- Medical Clinics
- Government jobs
- Insurance Companies
- Oil & Gas Companies
Sound good so far?
This has been an argument for awile, and many presenters offering multiple reasons why this would benefit out country.
Here are 16 reasons from The Oil Drum:
Reason #1 The impact a 4 day work week could have on crude oil imports
Reason #2 The 4 Day Work Week would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants
Reason #3 The 4 Day Work Week would reduce workers exposure to pollutants.
Reason #4 The 4 Day Work Week would mean less traffic congestion
Reason #5 The 4 Day Work Week would reduce money spent on new road construction and existing road maintenance
Reason #6 The 4 Day Work Week would result in a reduction in personal expenses
Reason #7 The 4 Day Work Week would mean fewer auto accidents each year
Reason #8 The 4 Day Work Week would mean less time spent in VSC or Voluntary Solitary Confinement
Reason #9 The 4 Day Work Week would mean a reduction in absenteeism
Reason #10 The 4 Day Work Week would increase productivity
Reason #11 The 4 Day Work Week would give us more time for family
Reason #12 The 4 Day Work Week would decrease labor costs
Reason #13 The 4 Day Work Week would decrease operational costs
Reason #14 The 4 Day Work Week would mean a reduction in the cost of childcare
Reason #15 The 4 Day Work Week would provide time for a transition into the informal economy
Reason #16 The 4 Day Work Week feels great!
Check out this video discussing the four day work week:
Hmm... Sounds like good points to me! Present the idea of a four day work week to your boss. Oh, well. Until then, keep telling yourself that it's almost Friday!