Most workers would make sacrifices for a four-day workweek

SALT LAKE CITY — Some employees are walking off the job to demand a four-day workweek, including U.S. auto workers:

 In addition to demanding increases and better benefits, auto workers want a 32-hour workweek with the same pay as a 40-hour week.”

According to a report by Bankrate analyst Sarah Foster, 83% of people between the ages of 18 and 42 would support a four-day workweek. Generation X and baby boomers are also interested, with nearly 78% of people between the ages of 43 and 77 backing it.

Making Sacrifices for a four-day workweek

Foster joined Dave & Dujanovic on Monday to discuss her report and the changing workforce.

The report found 92% of Generation Z and millennials would make sacrifices to earn three days off a week. Only 86% of Gen X and baby boomers would do the same. 

One sacrifice is working longer hours. The survey found 48% of the younger generations would be willing to work longer hours for a four-day workweek.

“So say you were to maybe find a company that allows you to work 10-hour days for four days a week to get up to that 40 hours a week,” she said.

About 35% of younger generations would also jump jobs to have a four-day workweek.

“The thing that really kind of stood out to me is that 33% or close to a third say that they’d be willing to come into the office or give up remote work, especially considering how much we’ve known workers like remote work in the aftermath of the pandemic,” Foster said.

However, the survey found that only a fifth (19%) of Gen X and baby boomers would come into the office or work fully in person for a four-day week.

Foster added that although many workers are interested in a four-day workweek, data from payroll analysis company ADP shows only 12% of employers offer the schedule. But that is up from 9% in 2022.

Staying competitive

Major employers can often entice people to leave their small-business jobs for a fatter paycheck. But Foster said she spoke with small-business owners who are offering the four-day workweek to retain employees.

“It’s just another way of making sure that they’re remaining competitive in this still-tight labor market,” Foster said.

Moving toward a shorter workweek may require small steps. Foster said instead of one large jump, companies can start by providing one Friday off a month.

“But at the end of the day, it’s all about making sure that you are taking time off because if you aren’t using that time that you are already entitled to, it might be one of the reasons why you might be feeling burnt out at your job,” Foster said.

Related: General Motors reaches tentative agreement with UAW, potentially ending 6-week strike

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