[Reflection 3: Less is More—On the Four-Day Work Week (Assign 6/12)

For generations, white-collar Americans went to work by the standard eight-hours-a-day/five-days-a-week model. In fact, millions did so, no questions asked. Then, came Millennials, who finally asked, "Why are we doing this?" As a result, the American workplace underwent its first substantial transformation since WWII. But real change came with the onset of the Covid-19 global pandemic in 2020. The pandemic not only moved most white-collar workers onto online spaces, it also gave workers their first glimpse of what alternative work schedules could be. Post-Covid-19, many white-collar workers have enjoyed more flexibility, including remote and hybrid work schedules. Now that Gen Z has entered the workforce, even more changes are afoot, including the push for a four-day work week. What that looks like in practice can vary: eight-hour days, ten-hour work days, 32-hour work weeks, 40-hour work weeks, work Monday-Thursday, work Tuesday-Friday, have every Wednesday off, etc. Regardless of what shape it takes, for the first time, the four-day work week is receiving serious consideration, including studies and pilots. So far, most companies report positive results. Especially enthusiastic has been the response from employees, who often report better work/life balances. As you will be entering the professional workforce in the next few years, what are your thoughts on potentially working only four days a week? What, if, anything appeals to you about it? And do you believe you anything is lost by losing a work day?

Choose at least two of the links below to cite in your discussion.

• "These Companies Tried a 4-Day Workweek. More Than a Year in, They Still Love It" (NPR)
• "r/webdev: Anyone Here on a 4-Day Work Week? What's It Like?" (Reddit)
• "Companies Around the World Adopt Four-Day Work Week Pilot Programs to Meet Growing Demand from Gen-Z and Millennial Employees" (CBS News)
• "Ninety-Two Percent of Young People Would Sacrifice Other Perks for a Four-Day Workweek—Here’s What They’d Give Up" (NBCNews) 
• "A Four-Day Workweek Would Destroy Everything That Made America Great" (The Hill)

Requirements:

• Approx. 500 words
• One question and two responses in Discussions
  

Due: Fri 3.22 (via Packback)