A 4 Day Workweek

In the timeless words of philosopher Tom DeLonge, "work sucks, I know." Ever wondered what life would be like if we worked less? That mid-week feeling of realizing you still have half a week left at work has been a universal struggle for about a century. Back in 1926, the Ford Motor Company initiated a groundbreaking move by implementing a five-day, 40-hour workweek. This decision, influenced by pressure from labor movements and Henry Ford's strategy to improve work-life balance and offer higher wages, set a standard. Over a decade later, the Fair Labor Standards Act solidified a 44-hour workweek in federal law, later adjusted to the current 40 hours per week. This marked a pivotal moment in labor history, but why has there been minimal change since the World War II era?

To understand this, we delve into historical context. The lead-up to the recognition of the five-day workweek witnessed significant turmoil, including World War I, labor activism, the Great Depression, and World War II. Amidst these challenges, workers demanded better conditions and succeeded in achieving important victories for labor rights. However, despite productivity gains in recent years, thanks to advancements in computing and modern technologies since 1979, the workweek has remained largely unchanged. The deliberate decoupling of productivity gains from worker compensation, especially during the Reagan era, aimed to prioritize economic growth over fair compensation.

While productivity has soared, workers today accomplish more in a few hours than their predecessors did in a week, yet compensation hasn't reflected this. The reluctance to shorten the workweek can be traced back to economic policies favoring executives and shareholders over workers. However, evidence suggests that a shorter workweek not only enhances the lives of workers but also positively impacts companies.

Humans aren't consistently productive throughout the standard 8-hour workday; on average, workers are engaged in productive activities for less than 60% of the day. Attempts to force constant productivity often result in mind-numbing, pointless tasks, adversely affecting job satisfaction. Shortening the workweek, as demonstrated in recent trials in the US and Ireland in 2022, has proven highly successful. Companies experienced increased revenue, higher employee retention, reduced absenteeism, and improved mental and physical health among workers.

Implementing a four-day workweek at the federal level could have broader societal benefits, including a 20% reduction in commuting, leading to decreased emissions. Additionally, workers could enjoy an extra day for meaningful activities, contributing to improved mental health and overall well-being. The positive outcomes from these trials have garnered overwhelming support from workers, with 97% expressing a desire to continue the four-day workweek.

Despite the evident advantages, there are challenges and considerations. Advocacy for the four-day workweek often originates from CEOs, creating a potential conflict of interest. The capitalist-class perspective views it as a gift to workers rather than a right based on increased productivity. While the trials have shown benefits for both workers and businesses, the initiative's success depends on the willingness of the capitalist class.

The push for a shorter workweek should be accompanied by a recognition of the need for a strong labor movement. Historical victories in labor rights, including the establishment of the five-day workweek, were achieved through powerful labor movements. As we navigate the beginning of a new labor movement, it is crucial to build its strength to demand changes rather than relying on the unpredictable generosity of the capitalist class.

In conclusion, the data overwhelmingly supports the transition to a four-day workweek for the benefit of workers, companies, and society at large. While acknowledging the potential pitfalls and conflicting interests, the movement towards a shorter workweek must be driven by a robust and empowered labor force rather than depending on the goodwill of employers. If you're interested in being part of this change, explore options like unionizing your workplace or joining a socialist organization.