The Idea of 32 Hours
Are you ready to take a massive step forward in terms of the way we view work in 2021 and beyond? California Congressman Mark Takano has introduced a bill that could completely change the way that employers structure their workforce and the hours they are expected to be at work.
The idea of a four-day workweek has been exciting people for quite a while now, with its advocates saying that it might improve productivity, as well as helping workers maintain a better balance between work and life. Recent studies deep into this claim seem to be holding some truth and the idea has been gaining traction, with Takano looking to make it a federal mandate.
If the bill were to pass, it would mean that employers would be obligated to start paying overtime or hire more people if the hour log breaches 33 hours. This would help workers get their deserved salary that they earned while also making sure that there is always enough people in the workforce.
What is the Benefit of 32 Hours?
The large benefit of implementing a 32-hour work week is that it would give people more time to enjoy their lives outside of work. A 2020 survey of over 6,000 people found that more than half said that work was taking up too much of their time and 74% said they would prefer to have more time to spend with their family or doing activities they enjoy. Beyond that, it could also give employers more peace of mind that their employees are adequately compensated for their hard work.
It’s also worth mentioning that this bill is not limited just to white-collar jobs or only certain types of workers. It has important provisions for non-exempt workers and is supported by labor organizations like the AFL-CIO, the Service Employees International Union, and the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.
The goal here is to help everyone benefit as equally and fairly as possible, allowing everyone to potentially reap the benefits of a reduced workweek. Only time will tell if it will become a reality!
We want to know what your thoughts are on this topic? Do you think it’s a great idea to reduce the workweek to 32 hours? Do you think it could have other unforeseen effects? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
