A Pennsylvania state legislator proposed that the work week be reduced from 40 to 32 hours without interfering with the wages of workers.
This is the Democrat from Philadelphia, G.Roni Green who expects the bill to pass for businesses with 500 or more employees. It should be noted that the premise does not include smaller local companies.
“The Federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 established the standard 40-hour workweek,” Green wrote. “Today, most workers continue to work a standard 40-hour work week, but today’s society looks and operates differently than it did in 1938. Technological advances alone have significantly increased the productivity of workers, allowing more work to be done in less time. Research has shown that companies can adopt a four-day work week without losing worker productivity.”
Earlier this year, state Rep. Dave Madsen (D-Dauphin) introduced a bill that would establish a four-day workweek pilot program. Under this, participating employers may be eligible for a state income tax credit through the Department of Labor and Industry if the qualifying business meets certain program requirements.
“We need to do more to provide choice for workers and their employers,” Madsen wrote. “Studies have shown that a 4-day work week reduces employee stress, burnout and fatigue. Additionally, it has a positive impact on an employee’s mental health, work-life balance, and physical well-being, all without negatively impacting a company’s productivity and revenue. Additionally, a 4-day work week would provide flexibility for workers, allowing them to be more present parents and more active members of the community.”
A four-day working week trial program was run in the UK between June and December 2022. Under the programme, employees at 61 companies in Britain worked an average of 34 hours over four days while still earning their Current salary.
NBC News reported that 92% of companies involved in the program chose to continue with the four-day work week. Participating staff worked for a variety of businesses, including a finance company, a digital manufacturer, and a fish and chip shop. Most staff members said their well-being and work-life balance improved. Data from the program also showed that employees were less likely to quit their jobs as a result of the four-day week.
