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We think the environment out there for employees and employers has changed the last few years, mostly because of the pandemic.
Some would say that change has been good for employees; others would disagree.
Regardless, many workplaces are now much more flexible with their employees by allowing remote work, flexible hours each day, better pay (due to worker shortage) and benefits; and smart employers promote a positive work environment and culture.
So talk of moving to a four-day work week just doesn't fly with us.
There are some suggesting -- as with the opinion piece by Anthony Veal on this page -- that four-day work weeks are getting "glowing reports."
Sure they are.
Why wouldn't they.
That said, employers must have skin in the game.
There can be no legislation telling employers when their employees must work.
There's regulations -- framework via labor laws -- that employers already must follow.
Some would argue that selective laws are overburdensome.
Key and critical industries that produce products and services integral to our daily lives generally require 24/7 availabilty of workers.
And keep in mind, employees now working at least 30 hours per week in the federal fiscal year remain eligible for employer-subsidized health care insurance, thanks to the Affordable Care Act.
Some suggest working 32 hours with a four-day work week should come without losing productivity, pay or benefits.
What?
How's that fair to employers?
Again, we just think it's a bad idea as employers struggle to find people to work as it is.
And we don't see much change with that trend in the near future.
There are more considerations:
– More stress to produce in a shorter time.
– Additional customer support as a result.
– A one-size schedule does not fit all.
– What about parents and teachers?
America was and continues to be a strong nation with a generally sound economy because of its citizens' work ethic.
We shouldn't as a nation do anything that could compromise our productivity.
Allow less and you'll get less.