On the surface, the concept of a four-day workweek could easily be lumped together with other flexible work trends that have sprung up since the heights of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But the length of an average work week has long been a topic of discussion and speculation. The economist John Maynard Keynes opined in 1930 that more efficient working methods would usher in a 15-hour workweek for many “within 100 years.” In 1956, a New York Times headline read: “Nixon Foresees 4-Day Workweek”, referencing the then United States vice president’s optimism that American economic prosperity would lead to less work and more family time.
However, for many full-time workers globally, a five-day workweek has remained the standard, and in the U.S., 40 hours has been the legal definition of a full workweek since 1940.
About the author
Katrina J. Lane
Katrina Lane is an Editorial Strategist and Reporter at Devex. She writes on ecologies and social inclusion, and also supports the creation of partnership content at Devex. She holds a degree in Psychology from Warwick University, offering a unique perspective on the cognitive frameworks and social factors that influence responses to global issues.
