Workers are so eager for a better work-life balance that they are willing to take a pay cut to switch to a four-day workweek, according to a recent survey. The survey, conducted by Resume Builder, found that 8 in 10 workers would be excited to work 32 hours a week instead of 40, citing benefits such as improved health, reduced burnout, and increased productivity.
Despite the fact that 94% of survey participants believed they could do the same amount of work in fewer hours, 21% said they would be willing to take a pay cut to work one less day per week. Additionally, 83% of respondents expressed a preference for a four-day, 40-hour workweek over the current standard of five days.
Julia Toothacre, a resume and career strategist with Resume Builder, noted that people, especially younger generations, value time more than ever. While the four-day workweek is not yet the norm in the U.S., it has gained momentum as a way to address work-related stress and long hours.
Pilot programs testing the four-day workweek have shown promising results, with companies reporting increased productivity and improved job performance among workers. Some companies have even expressed a desire to continue with the 32-hour schedule after the trial period.
Although a national policy for a four-day workweek is not currently on the horizon, the idea has garnered interest, with Senator Bernie Sanders introducing a bill to standardize a 32-hour workweek without cutting pay or benefits. Overall, the survey results indicate a growing desire among workers for a more flexible and balanced approach to work.