When the phenomenon of reducing the workweek began to take shape in Europe, many considered it madness.
When reports started coming in about increased productivity with fewer hours in countries like the Netherlands (32.4 hours), followed by Austria (33.7 hours), Norway (34.1 hours), and both Denmark and Germany (both with 34.6 hours), it caused skepticism. But now, a group of lawmakers in Washington is looking to replicate this phenomenon.
Senator Bernie Sanders, the far-left independent from Vermont, introduced a bill this week that would shorten the amount of time many Americans can work each week to 32 hours before they’re owed overtime.
Given advances in automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence, Sanders argues that U.S. companies can afford to give employees more time off without cutting their pay and benefits. Critics say a mandated shorter week would force many companies to hire additional workers or lose productivity.
One recent study of British companies that agreed to adopt a 32-hour workweek concluded that employees came to work less stressed and more focused while revenues remained steady or increased. In 2022, a team of university researchers and the nonprofit 4 Day Week Global enlisted 61 companies to reduce working hours for six months without cutting wages. Afterward, 71% of the 2,900 workers said they were less burned out, and nearly half reported being more satisfied with their jobs.
Meanwhile, 24 of the participating companies reported revenue growth of more than 34% over the prior six months, and nearly two dozen others saw a smaller increase.
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