By Ivan Koreshkov

The traditional 5-day workweek has been the norm in the United States for a long time (ever since the early 20th century). But as technology advances, workplace cultures become more advance as well, and burnout becomes more common. Now the four-day workweek (usually 32 hours) is gaining attention around the world. But is it realistic in the U.S.?

The four-day workweek is a 32-hour schedule with no reduction in pay or benefits. Countries like Iceland and the United Kingdom have already conducted successful trials, with companies that participated reporting improved productivity levels, etc. Employees shared overwhelmingly positive feedback, reporting that they felt less stressed, slept better, and had more time to care for themselves and their families. Advocates of the idea argue that when workers are well rested, they perform better, collaborate more effectively, and stay with their companies for longer. Some studies even suggest environmental benefits, such as lower emissions due to fewer commuting days.

However, critics say that this model might not be practical or sustainable for every industry out there. For example, sectors that rely on shift work like healthcare, retail, food service, and public safety could be difficult to compress into just 4 days. Skeptics also argue that squeezing five days worth of work into four could actually increase employee pressure and stress rather than reduce it. Some business owners fear that less workdays may lead to lower output or higher costs if additional staff is needed to maintain coverage. There are also concerns about fairness: will this benefit only white-collar workers, leaving behind essential employees or those in hourly positions?

Additionally, while some businesses and employees are experimenting with the model, there is no clear consensus on how it will work across the economy. Will the flexibility of a four-day workweek be beneficial in some areas but impractical in others?

Technology as a Tool
Technology is yet another important driver that makes the four-day workweek increasingly viable. Thanks to automation, AI, and productivity tools that improve each year, a number of tasks now take less time than they did in the past. This kind of efficiency can allow staff to achieve their goals in shorter hours. But it also raises a question: is technology meant to free us from long work hours, or simply make us do more work in the same time?

Global Trends and Competitiveness
If other countries continue to adopt shorter workweeks, the U.S. will feel pressure to follow suit to remain competitive in the global competition for talent. Companies that provide workers with a more desirable work-life balance will be able to attract more talent from around the world, making them more competitive when skilled workers are hard to find.

The four-day workweek is not just an issue of cutting hours — it’s an issue of transforming how we work, why we work that way, and what kind of future we’re trying to build. Proponents argue shorter workweeks can boost productivity, improve mental health and allow for better work-life balance. Critics raise legitimate questions about feasibility, particularly for professions that must be constantly covered, and warn of potential unintended consequences.

Questions for consideration:

How do you think the four-day workweek would affect productivity in industries that require constant attention, like healthcare or public safety?

Do you believe working fewer days would actually make people more productive in the long run?

How do you think the cultural shift toward a four-day workweek might affect the U.S. economy and its global competitiveness?

In your opinion, what industries would benefit most from a four-day workweek, and which ones would struggle the most?

How might the four-day workweek influence the American economy, particularly in terms of consumer spending and overall economic growth?

Do you think different industries need different workweek models, or should a uniform approach be applied to all? Why or why not?