A hundred years ago, we began the shift from working six day weeks to five. We’re long overdue for an update. The 4 day week is a reduction in the work week from a standard 40 hours to 32 hours for the same pay and benefits. This reduction has been proven to work for employees and for employers in nearly every industry – from schools and restaurants to law firms and tech companies.
COVID-19 made it clear we can find a better balance between work and life. 85% of U.S. adults already approve of moving to a 4 day week. To make it happen, we have to move together and push for a better future.
Your signature matters. Signing this petition helps the 4 Day Week Global Foundation recruit employers to pilot a 4 day week. For employers with significant employee support, 4 Day Week will reach out to encourage them to join our global pilot in 2022. Participating employers will receive the support of experts from the 4 Day Week organization and researchers at Harvard, Oxford, and Boston College in assessing pilot outcomes. Learn more about joining the 4 Day Week Pilot.
of people are happier and less stressed working a 4 day week.
of companies saw increased productivity with a 4 day week
Fintech startup Bolt is closing on Fridays for three months. If it makes workers more productive and happier, it will make the policy permanent.
Read updateEconomist, Co-founder of Center for Economic and Policy Research
“A 4 day workweek would be a big step benefiting those who still must be physically present at their workplace. It will give workers three full days a week to be their family or to pursue educational or leisure activities. It is also one of the cheapest steps imaginable to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Twenty percent fewer commutes means 20 percent less emissions, before even considering the reductions associated with less congestion. The recovery from the pandemic is a great time to take this big step."
Writer and author
"Millennials are the so-called Burnout Generation. We are 'obsessed with our jobs,' work more hours for less pay than previous generations, and exhibit more work stress than any other group of Americans...And while the concept is not new, and everyone is susceptible to tiring out from work, how it affects Black women at work — many of whom are in roles that overwork, underpay, and belittle them — can be more dire for their mental and physical health than many let on."
Executive Director, United for a Fair Economy
“The 4 day work week is important to me because it reflects the values of our organization, United for a Fair Economy. Our work against racial and economic inequality requires a lot of intense labor not only mentally but also emotionally, and so we need to learn how to balance our commitment to build a different society with having work-life balance and healthy relationships. As an organization fighting to create a better world, we believe in the importance of putting the human being at the center of that work, and that includes the well-being and time of our staff.”
Co-owner and head chef, Baumé
“I was not focusing on my job, I have a lot of stress, a lot of energy out, and I was so tired, but at the end of the day, for what?… Then we realized that... [the] more you work, less efficient you are, more tired. Then you realize, working less, you are more efficient. Opening four days make us more efficient, more focused, and better.”
Co-founder of 350.org, climate activist
“Less time at the office means more time to help save the climate. Cutting down on things like commuting will surely help reduce emissions, but the thing that excites me most about a 4 day work week is that it frees up people's time to engage in the causes they feel passionate about, including the environment. Solving the climate crisis is the most essential work of this century; setting aside a few more hours to engage in that struggle, or to just go out and appreciate this incredible planet we have, would be a very good thing indeed.”
Business magnate, investor, and author
“The idea of working five days a week with two day weekends and a few weeks of annual holiday is just something people accept. For some reason, it is considered set in stone by most companies. There is no reason this can’t change. In fact, it would benefit everyone if it did…. By working more efficiently, there is no reason why people can’t work less hours and be equally – if not more – effective. People will need to be paid more for working less time, so they can afford more leisure time. That’s going to be a difficult balancing act to get right, but it can be done.”
COO at Common Future
"We want to restore rest and joy for staff doing work in an area that can often feel extractive. Perhaps we don’t move the mountain today, but we can at least get the time we need to get more rest and to feel more joy, so that we are energized as we continue to press forward...We want our staff to know that we see them and their humanity."