To think we could work a four-day week every week?

[teaandthorazine]

yougov poll showing support for four-day week

We'll have had 4 four-day weeks in the last month or so (counting Easter and the two May bank holidays) - why shouldn't we do this all the time? According to research we'll be happier, less stressed and more productive! Plus more time to pursue hobbies, study and family stuff outside of work.

What do you reckon? Five days a week is arbitrary, after all, why shouldn't we just do four?

(And before anyone says, I know there are lots of jobs that aren't just mon-fri [I work in one myself!] - the idea is that working fewer hours a week in whatever combination would benefit us and would not adversely affect the economy or services.)

Interesting idea or total rubbish?

I already do. It's called compressed hours.

So would wages go down pro rata? Hardly affordable for most people, although more jobs available to cover business needs. My dh works 6/7 days a week, he would love to work just 5 never mind 4!

My DH works in construction and no way could they get the same amount of work done in four days. They've had to work overtime the past couple of weeks to get the work done. It would be that or the company would have to employ more workers which would mean they all earned less.

Maybe some jobs would work in four day weeks without workers earning less but I doubt there would be many.

Well, tbh lots of healthcare professionals would be doing this kind of thing already, in that they are likely to work longer shifts but fewer days. Eg 3 12-hour shifts a week.

Not sure about lawyers tbh!

I would like to work four days I week, but would still want paying for five

To be honest, I will probably look to go down to a four day week within the next ten years - I could just get so much more DONE with that extra time!

clash - you could if you did compressed hours though; 8-6 four days a week, 50% more time off with your three-day weekend

4 day week pfft hubby gets that on bank hol but im on 6 day week as work in retail

I've always said we should have three day weekends automatically. One day for boring shopping and cleaning, one day for outings etc, one day for resting. Perfect.

I already have a day off during the week, so if this comes in Ill have to only work three days so I still get a day to myself with out DC and DH around, and then I just won't earn enough. So I like it the way it is!

Well maybe your dh could take a different day off to you, woowooowl?