The benefits of a four-day workweek have been in conversation for many years now and have even been adopted by various companies across the country. However, in light of recent national stressors, Canadian businesses are making the four-day workweek mandatory indefinitely.
The rationale
Anyone who’s worked a full-time job knows that weekends would be better as three days: one for productivity, one for fun, and one for rest. However, there are real benefits to the workplace and the employees.
A large-scale experiment in Iceland, conducted in 2021, proved that productivity doesn’t suffer, even when employees are working 80 per cent of the time for 100 per cent of the pay. That’s because distracting elements during the workday can be addressed on those days off. Social media and scheduled appointments can be prioritized on days off, while less stress results in fewer sick days. Basically, you don’t have to grind non-stop to be a capitalist legend.
The process
This has been a debate for a while, so the question is: Why now, and why here?
The short answer: Because the United States isn’t doing a four-day workweek. Ha.
“Workplace morale is as low as it’s been since the 2008 recession, and the feeling is only exacerbated by the negativity coming from our frenemies down south,” a press release from the Businessperson Council of Canada states. “We hope that by enacting a four-day workweek, Canadians will better care for themselves, and therefore, better care for their employment. A cared-for Canada is a united Canada, which is especially true in these unprecedented times.”
A four-day workweek is no easy feat for certain sectors, like hospitality and healthcare. How can it be implemented in a way that the hardest-working members of society can still benefit?
“Each workplace must carry out the four-day workweek on a case-by-case basis,” the press release reads.
This could mean a random draw as to who gets what day of the week off, or the employer can choose to prioritize requests however they see fit, whether based on seniority, performance, or family commitments.
“We really don’t see how this could go wrong.”
The four-day workweek is expected to roll out effective immediately. Talk to your employer about what this will look like for you.
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Kendall Bistretzan
Branded Content Writer
Kendall Bistretzan is a Calgary-based writer, reporter, and coffee enthusiast. In her spare time, she loves to read, have dinner with friends, and sing in her car. She is currently querying her debut fiction novel. You can find her on Instagram @kendallbistwrites.
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