I hate to look a gift recession in the mouth, so I prefer to spend my time appreciating the little nuggets it leaves in its wake. While many of those nuggets stink, there are a few worth picking up–like the 4-day work week.
The Fed’s had a flexible work week schedule for over 8 years, but now state and local government agencies, private employers, and even public schools and colleges, across the country are offering their employees the opportunity to work four 10-hour workdays per week instead of five 8-hour workdays each week.
The 4-hour work week is as much a perk meant to retain good employees as a business survival strategy. Employees get a three-day weekend, fewer commutes and lower gas expenses; employers get appreciative employees and lower energy and operating costs.
Proponents of the shortened work week are popping up everywhere, citing the necessity of wholesale adoption of the 4-day work week as part of an effort to curb our dependence on oil, cut costs during the recession and stem the tide of layoffs. They claim we’ll save more than 60 million gallons per day, not to mention reducing traffic congestion and pollution.
Opponents of the 4-day work week fear that widespread adoption will cripple some businesses and stifle any hopes of economic recovery (presumably because “4-day workweekers” will only spend money on either the 4 days they work or the one extra day they’re off). Employers of this ilk are completely opting out of the movement or compromising by allowing employees to work from home one day per week.
Somewhere in the middle are folks who just want to enjoy their new free time with family and friends and kids who are loving the idea of fewer school days. Personally, I’m excited about the fact that so many folks from all walks of life are interested and invested in trying to solve real problems together. I’m proud of the good citizens we’re becoming!
I’m also proud to announce…4-Day Work Week Jobs!
These jobs are being advertised with 4-day work week explicitly stated, as opposed to those vague “work-life” balance bullets. They include positions for doctors, mechanics, social workers and engineers. Check them out.
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