The Case For A 4-Day Work-Week

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Many businesses in the country have transitioned workers back to full-time in-office work but some countries are considering another option that may pique the interest of quite a few workers.

The 40-hour work-week may be on its way out in some countries, as a new International Labour Organization report found that reduced working hours and flexible working arrangements can benefit economies, workers and lead to a healthy work-life balance.

The report – working time and work-life balance around the world – focuses on the actual number of hours of work, work schedules, and their implications for work-life balance.

Global occupational safety and health lead at ILO, Manal Azzi, explains the importance of maintaining balance.

Protecting the physical and mental health of workers is a mandate of the ILO.

So, what did the study on work-life balance find?

For one – the classic work-week of eight-hours per day for five to six days per week provides stability but “Fixed schedules are often too inflexible to allow time for family demands as needed.”

As a result, the report found that part-time work of less than 35 hours per week, with predictable schedules, gave workers more time for their personal responsibilities and leisure, which leads to a better balance between paid work and personal life.

It also noted that public policy may be needed to promote reductions in work hours in many countries while companies may want to regulate flexible arrangements with a “Right to disconnect” from work policy.