So I learned from TikTok’s endless bounty that there have been a number of highly successful pilot programs testing out the viability of a 4 day work week.
These programs have been so successful, in fact, that the project is expanding to dozens of cities worldwide.
So it’s definitely an idea under consideration.
Some of its merits (besides the obvious) is that it would save businesses money in terms of office operating costs like heat and lights (just like during the pandemic), there would be less traffic during rush hour on the new “off” day, and people would have more time to recovery from their shorter work week.
The big obvious advantage is that everyone would have to sacrifice one day less just to put food on the table. Duh.
This could work a number of ways.
Simplest is the 40 hour model, where instead of five 8 hour shifts, you would work four 10 hour shifts per week.
Most people like that idea. Afew hours more at work in exchange for one more day off?
Sign me the fuck up.
On the other end of the spectrum is the 32 hour model where it really is like a long weekend every weekend because you would be working 8 hours a day 4 days a week.
Proponents of this plan say this can be done without a loss of productivity by streamlining workflow tp eliminate unproductive hours.
I have my doubts.
Then there’s the very sticky issue of how one implements this change. Ideally it would spring naturally from the progression of work and corporate culture over time.
One could see how an employer for whom one only has to work 4 days a week having a massive advantage in the labour market.
All government could do is offer tax incentives. Any form of forcing workplaces to comply would be disastrous.
It’s an interesting idea. In the past, we went from a 7 day work week to a 6 and then a 5.
We are long overdue to take the next step.
More after the break.
That was interesting
The section above this one was an experiment in writing something more “serious’ and editorial instead of my usual babbling brook of consciousness.
And I think it went okay. Would have been better in the old days when I could write for longer, but I think I did a reasonably good job of getting my point across.
But I didn’t really enjoy doing it, so I will not be doing it again any time soon.
Not for free, anyhow.
There just wasn’t enough opportunity for self-expression in it. And one thing I now know for sure about myself is that I have a powerful need for self-expression.
In fact, I am tempted to say it’s my raison d’etre.
And it always has been. I just didn’t know it.
All my trying to get and hold people’s attention, all my joking and opining and pontification and whatnot has all been my blind stumbling attempt to express the fire raging within me and my urge to shine, shine, shine.
It’s the main force fighting my shyness and insularity. Sure, I need my alone time like any good introvert, but I also have an unquenchable need for attention and affection and applause, and that’s not introverted at all.
So now I have a better idea what my true drives and motivations are. I need an audience, damn it, and somehow I am going to get one.
I will talk to you nice people again tomorrow .