Imagine a world where weekends are longer, productivity is higher, and overall well-being improves. That’s the promise of a four-day work week. A concept gaining traction globally and one that we, as a nation, should seriously consider.
The five-day work week wasn’t always the norm. In fact, it was a strategic decision made by Henry Ford in the 1920s, not out of concern for worker well-being but as a way to boost car production and increase sales. By giving workers an extra day off (as weekends were originally six days long), Ford reasoned that they’d spend more time driving and buying cars. While this was innovative for its time, that framework doesn’t reflect the realities of today’s economy or workforce needs.
A century later, the demands of modern life have shifted. The way we work, communicate, and live has drastically evolved, yet we’re clinging to a model designed for a bygone industrial era. Studies from countries like Iceland, Japan, and New Zealand show that moving to a four-day work week not only maintains but often increases productivity. Workers are less burned out, more engaged, and healthier overall.
So why hasn’t the U.S. fully embraced this? The resistance often stems from outdated notions of work equating to hours logged rather than value produced. But the data is clear: happier, well-rested employees are more innovative and efficient.
A four-day work week could:
- Improve mental health by giving people more time to recharge.
- Strengthen families and communities with more time for connection.
- Boost the economy by encouraging leisure spending and reducing health care costs tied to stress-related issues.
For this vision to become reality, we must come together as a nation and advocate for systemic change. This isn’t just about cutting a day off the calendar it’s about creating a healthier, more balanced society where workers thrive and businesses succeed.
If Ford could redefine the work week 100 years ago, why can’t we? It’s time to adapt to the needs of the modern world and make the four-day work week the new standard. Let’s push for policies that reflect our values, prioritize quality of life, and create a future where everyone benefits.
Join the movement. Speak up. Let’s make the four-day work week a reality.
