These Places Already Tried a 32-Hour Workweek. Here's What Happened.
Summary
U.S. lawmakers have reintroduced a bill to reduce the federal workweek from 40 to 32 hours, aiming to keep workers' pay and benefits the same. Trials of shorter workweeks in countries like the UK and Germany showed benefits such as less burnout and stable company results, but also faced challenges in some workplaces.Key Facts
- Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Mark Takano reintroduced a bill to shorten the federal workweek to 32 hours without lowering pay.
- The bill would make overtime pay start after 32 hours instead of 40, making extra hours more costly for employers.
- Shorter workweek trials in the UK included 61 companies and about 2,900 workers, showing less burnout, fewer sick days, and fewer resignations.
- In the UK trial, 56 of 61 companies planned to continue the four-day week after the test.
- Germany held a six-month trial with 45 organizations, with workers reducing about 4 hours per week and reporting better life satisfaction.
- Both countries saw stable company revenues or profits despite reduced hours.
- Challenges included staffing issues and adapting the shorter workweek to different job types.
- The bill’s future in the U.S. Congress remains uncertain.
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