Now that so many people can work remotely—and at all hours—the length of the official workweek is up for grabs. In July, Greece enacted an employment law that lays out a path for a six-day workweek. Meanwhile, other countries are experimenting with four-day workweeks. How much work is too much? Or too little?
Joe O’Connor, a consultant from Ireland, says he has the answer. O’Connor moved to Canada two years ago and co-founded a company called the Work Time Reduction Centre of Excellence that helps businesses transition to shorter workweeks. In an essay for Maclean’s, he outlines a variety of reasons why working just four days is better for employees and employers.
“Workers in four-day workplaces aren’t simply doing the same number of tasks at a more intense pace,” he says, “they’re achieving better outcomes more efficiently in less time, in exchange for the same pay and more balanced lives.” From an employee point of view, it’s hard to argue with that. But what do execs and corporate shareholders stand to gain? Workplaces become more innovative, says O’Connor, which can have a positive impact on the bottom line. “Time away from our desks gets the creative juices flowing.”
—Sarah Fulford, editor-in-chief
