More than 95 per cent of workers report happier and healthier workplaces following the implementation of a four-day workweek in Canada, a new study says.
Conducted by York University, the study titled “The Four-Day Workweek and the Future of Work in Canada,” by Carlo Fanelli and Maria Foggia, analyzed data collected across 30 firms employing nearly 3,500 workers, all of which have applied one of the two following models of a four-day workweek.
The first model is a four-day, 32-hour workweek consisting of the same amount of work and the second model is a 40-hour workweek over four days, instead of five. Both options do not include a reduction in pay. Researchers reviewed the data over a one-year period from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.
The result of these one-year pilots found that 90 per cent of workers said that productivity has either increased or stayed the same within their workplace and 86 per cent said there was an improvement in retention and recruitment among employees.
Additionally, 93 per cent said they would continue with the shortened and compressed work schedules indefinitely and 96 per cent said their workplaces are happier and healthier thanks to the new program.
“This research shows that shortened and compressed work schedules often boost productivity and economic output, improve health outcomes, strengthen equity initiatives and reduce carbon emissions,” the report read.
Researchers say a number of recent studies actually point to growing support for the four-day workweek.
“The Angus Reid Institute found that 53 per cent of Canadians polled would support the standardization of the 30-hour workweek, more than twice the number of those opposed.
Likewise, a survey by the recruitment firm Robert Half found 91 per cent of senior managers polled said they would support a four-day work week for their team, with many anticipating the transition to a shorter workweek within the next five years,” the report explained.
Overall, researchers came to the conclusion that the four-day workweek could open up new spaces to strengthen worker bargaining power and create a more equitable and enriching future of work.
