“Workin’ nahn to fiiiiive…” So goes the song, and so goes the week for most of us. But in Michigan there’s a rumor that the winds might be changing, and in a direction that most workers will love.
Here are Five Fast Facts on bringing a 32-hour work week to Michigan:
- ⏲️ Back In The Day - A century ago, there were no laws protecting workers from abusive work weeks or schedules. Henry Ford introduced the 40-hour week at his automotive factories, and the 5-day work week was born. The masses rejoiced!
- 🔥 Burning, Burning, Burning - Fast forward to 2024, and stress is EVERYWHERE. The American Psychological Association has found that almost 80% of workers are experiencing stress in a way that affects their work performance, and anxiety is the #1 concern in the workplace today. Here in Michigan, 68% of workers have considered leaving their jobs due to stress. Hm, seems a little low to us. 😉
- 🇬🇧 Across The Pond - Back in 2022, our friends in the UK conducted the world’s largest 4-day work week trial to date, with smashing success. Almost 90% of the companies who tried it are still using it today, and over half have made the change permanent. Jolly good show, my dear boy!
- 📐 The Structure - Some variations are to shift from five 9-hour days to four 10-hour days, or to allow four 8-hour days while cutting pay by 20%, but that’s not what we’re talking about. To really get the benefit is to work four 8-hour days…without taking a pay cut! That’s right, it’s getting 100% of the same work done in 80% of the time. It’s almost like magic! ✨
- 🤔 It’s Catching On - Around 30% of large US companies are exploring the option to attract (and keep) top workers, and Senator Bernie Sanders (Vermont) has proposed this on a national level, so it’s catching on. Rumors are swirling that it might be on the table in the next few years here in Michigan. A little popular momentum among the people would definitely help speed it along, so feel free to contact your elected reps and let them know what you think about the idea.
🔥Bottom line: Some companies are reluctant because they think productivity will go down. Based on the trials and studies that have been done so far, that isn’t the case. Apparently, when workers are highly motivated they are able to get stuff done faster and better than if they just don’t give a damn. Go figure, right?
Do you know anyone with a 4-day work week?
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