If given the choice, would you prefer to work 30 hours per week instead of 40? A recent Angus Reid poll found that almost half of Canadians think moving to a 30 hour work week is a good idea. But if working fewer hours isn’t an option, the majority, a little over 2/3rds, would prefer to work four longer days in order to get a three day weekend. The typical 40 hour work week was established back in the 1960’s and that is still the standard. The push for a shorter week has been on the rise since the 1980’s and by the 1990’s polls showed Canadians were split roughly 50-50 on the idea. Interestingly enough, the latest poll found differences in opinion based on political affiliation. 55% of Liberal and 51% of NDP supporters said they are in favour of a 30-hour work week while only 35% of Conservative supporters agreed. Overall, more men support the idea than women. 40 hours per week still appears to be the standard in most developed nations. Britons work the most of European countries, an average of 42 hours per week, while Danes work the shortest at just under 38 hours. I would guess the idea of a four day, 30 hour week would be appealing if you’re OK with having your pay cut by 20% but I can’t think of many people who would want to make that sacrifice. Four 10 hour days in order to have a three day weekend would work better, unless of course you have younger children at home which opens up a whole new can of worms..
That’s Coffeetalk. I’m Vic Dubois.
Hours of work
By Syndicated Author
Jun 25, 2018 | 8:00 AM
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