FYI - The 32 hour work week

The idea of a 32-hour workweek — typically framed as four 8-hour days instead of the traditional five — has been gaining traction in North America, especially in light of shifting workplace expectations post-pandemic. The goal is to maintain full-time pay while reducing hours, thereby improving work-life balance, mental health, and productivity.

Key Concepts of the 32-Hour Workweek

No loss in pay: Workers are paid the same as a 40-hour week.

Focused productivity: The theory is that happier, more focused employees accomplish more in less time.

Burnout prevention: Reducing hours helps combat stress and fatigue.

Improved retention: Employers hope to attract and retain talent with better work conditions.

🇨🇦 Canada

Progress in Canada has been moderate but growing:

Pilot Programs: A few Canadian companies have independently trialled the 32-hour workweek, mostly in the tech and professional services sectors.

Government Interest: There’s been limited legislative movement, though NDP MP Peter Julian introduced a motion in 2021 to study the idea at the federal level.

Unions and Advocacy: Some labour groups, especially public sector unions, are advocating for shorter workweeks as part of broader negotiations.

Canadian businesses remain cautious, often citing concerns about staffing shortages and competitiveness, but interest is growing — especially in provinces like British Columbia and Quebec.

🇺🇸 United States

Progress in the U.S. has been more visible, though still in the experimental stage:

Pilot Programs:

4 Day Week Global, a non-profit, ran a well-publicised six-month pilot in 2022-23 that included several U.S. companies. Results showed:

Higher job satisfaction

Improved retention

Maintained or increased productivity

Legislative Action:

In 2023, Congressman Mark Takano (D-CA) reintroduced the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act, aiming to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act to redefine the standard workweek as 32 hours.

The bill has not passed but has sparked conversation in the labour rights community.

Support from progressive lawmakers and unions is growing.

Broader Trends

Public Support: Polls show strong support for a 4-day workweek across North America, especially among younger workers.

Remote/Hybrid Work: The success of remote work has increased openness to other flexible arrangements.

AI & Automation: Some argue that productivity gains from technology make a shorter week feasible without economic harm.

Challenges

Sector Variability: It's easier to implement in white-collar and tech jobs than in manufacturing, healthcare, or retail.

Cultural Resistance: North American work culture still prizes "busyness" and long hours.

Economic Uncertainty: In times of inflation or recession, some employers are reluctant to take risks.

Summary

While the 32-hour workweek is not yet widespread in North America, momentum is building — especially among progressive companies, unions, and policymakers. Canada lags slightly behind the U.S. in formal experimentation, but worker demand and public discourse are moving the conversation forward. Over the next 5–10 years, we may see it become a mainstream offering in certain industries or regions.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model