There’s been a bit of chatter as the country tries to get back to a new normal about a four day week. What do you think about that? Would you support a four day week? Would you willingly work one? Has your attitude to work changed throughout the Covid-19 lockdown? Let’s have a look at the benefits and those not-so-good parts of a potential four day week.
Who’s Asking For It?
It seems that the main drivers of this idea are a number of ministers. I’d also like to, at this point, say I am disgusted that so many MPs voted against a motion to test NHS workers and carers every week. These hospital workers are saving lives and MPs in charge of our country are seeing them as nothing. It’s disgraceful. Back to the point, there are a group saying to Rishi Sunak that a four day week will help the economy as we try and bounce back. By reducing hours, we provide better opportunities as there is so much unemployment right now. This isn’t a brand new idea though. One of the quotes from the letter which has been sent to the Tresaury says “shorter working time has been used throughout history as a way of responding to economic crises”.
What Are The Benefits?
As well as the obvious benefits of there being more jobs if people only work a four day week, there are other benefits too. More time to spend helping the economy bounce back by boosting internal tourism and spending money in local areas. After that there are also mental health benefits as the country is focused on wellbeing after lockdown. Many people have changed their views on work. As a result many more are thinking about working from home and some might even be questioning careers. With life being so short, we must use what time we have well. Reducing to a four day week would allow us to spend time with those that we love.
The Other Side
I wonder whether this is being offered up as a potential motion after hearing that they were going to abolish Sunday trading laws. This way they can have shops open all hours. Their staff can potentially work a full time contract over four days. This would allow employment of others working those other three days, the economy will no doubt bounce back quicker. In addition, there’s the self employed and freelancers. Many who have been short changed through this pandemic with no support whatsoever. There is a freedom about being self employed but many couldn’t work a four day week.
What Do You Think?
England isn’t the only one toying with the idea. Scotland the New Zealand are considering it too, as part of the new normal post Coronavirus lockdown. As I work for myself I see the cons of a four day week. I wouldn’t be able to get my work done in a four day week. However, I see the benefits of it too and will weigh it up further. Reducing stress and improving the wellbeing across the country with more time off, for example. Have a think and let me know what you reckon to the idea over on Twitter.
