Readers respond to last week’s Feedback Friday topic, which was:
Four-Day Work Week
Posted Feb. 3, 2023
This week, State legislators have introduced a bill to the General Assembly to test the four-day work week model. The pilot program would incentivize companies to move to a four-day work week by offering up to $750,000 in tax breaks for organizations that transition a satisfactory number of employees to a four-day, 32-hour-a-week schedule without reducing salaries. The program would be run by the state Department of Labor and gather important data on the impact a reduced work week has on employees, their productivity, company efficiency, and bottom-line financials. The five-year program would be available to private and public employers with 30 or more employees. To earn a tax credit, a company would have to participate in the program for a year.
Though not new (former President Richard Nixon once predicted the four-day work week would happen in his lifetime), the idea has increasingly gained traction. Recently, several large-scale trials in Iceland, then in Belgium and the United Kingdom, have paved the way others to consider a similar model.
Maryland’s bill will have its first hearing this month.
What do you think about a four-day, 32-hour work week? Needed or not? Do you have concerns?
Here’s what you said:
Any reduction in the number of days cars are on the road is a good thing. If the job can still get done with 32 hours a week, I see no reason not to do that. I also advocate full telework for jobs that don't require an in-person presence.
Alicia Moore, Chesapeake Beach
I'm not so sure you really want a four day work week for all types of jobs. I would lose money in the retail side for not being able to sell except on specific days. Doctors, nurses, fire fighters and police are needed daily.You'd kill the restaurant industry. The grocery store and gas station only doing four days would have people panicked, especially those holding multiple jobs who don't have just any hours to go there. Banks would be harder access for same reason. Unless they are a computer programmer who can do most of it from home, it doesn't warrant closing up and trying to make up a full day's work plus the current day the following week. That kind of day is a headache!
Sandra Chestnut
The 5 day workweek is about 100 years old and came about due to workers rights and working conditions. It makes sense that technology advancement would make processes more efficient and increase employee efficiency.
Roberta M, Annapolis
It's worth a shot. When I was working, it seemed to me that my office mates, me included, procrastinated-away or devoted to non-work activities at least a full day a week, week in and week out. I suspect we could've easily done in 4 days what it took us 5 and would've been happier having the extra day off. Obviously this model won't work for every business without driving up labor costs, but for those where it can, why not try.
Marc Knapp, Annapolis
I think this would be great idea. I feel employees that get a chance to work a four day will provide higher volume of work and show their employers that can and will complete all the work needed in four days. Knowing that this will save them money in many ways such as child care fuel less time commuting. This is just a few areas. More family time etc. I believe employers will be able to save also in many areas also.
Janet Akers, Grasonville
Our company is currently short employees and no one applies. Most businesses seem to be trying to hire. If our work week is shorter, we will have to close one day a week. We are a vet clinic currently booked months in advance and not even able to accept new clients.
Jean Radeackar, Annapolis
I am opposed to reducing the work week to a 4 day, 32 hour work week.
Duane Hilghman, Easton
Sure, I would love to work 32 hours and get paid for 40, who wouldn't? To me a 4 day work week means you work 40 hours in 4 days. Or when I worked for the government we had "alternate work week" which meant you worked approx. 9 hours for 9 days and you got every other Friday off. Loved that.
Rita Siprak-Weill, Annapolis
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