In fact, the four-day, 32-hour workweek thats made headlines recently isnt even new.
It very nearly became the standard about 90 years ago.
In 1933,Senate passed a billthat would reduce the standard workweek to just 30 hours.
They also felt more positive overall, were happier, and were more energized at work.
Those benefits seem to have everything to do with adding that weekday to their weekend.
They may have longer weekends that allow them to pursue interests that improve overall life satisfaction.
In short, its about work-life balance.
In some cases, productivity even increased after hours were cut.
The reality is that workers are humans, not machines.
Demanding 40 hours of an employees week doesnt necessarily mean an employer is getting 40 hours of work.
Benefits Hinge on How the Schedule Is Implemented
Those widespread benefits are far from guaranteed.
The extended work time on those four days can create conflicts with family life, Dr. Fisher explains.
It can also create difficulties in being productive for a full 10 hours in a single day.
It can also create difficulties in being productive for a full 10 hours in a single day.
Employees took shorter breaks, spent less time chatting with coworkers, and generally avoided downtime and rest.
For others, the flexibility to set their own hours would have a bigger impact.
But again, not every worker will like the idea of blending work and home responsibilities throughout the day.
That same study also found that temporary stress on the job is fine.
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