Canadians want to work less than 5 days a week
In 2022, some companies have announced the transition to a four-day workweek. Myth or reality?
A new study on the shorter workweek found that such a move could lead to a more productive week, greater employee loyalty and better health.
The survey results confirm that employees would like to pay more attention to their personal lives and that flexible schedules are essential to them. In the end, both companies and employees benefit.
The new labour market study also said that employers who applied strict work regimes or schedules (such as a 9-to-5 work week) experienced a drop in productivity, increased employee turnover and even absenteeism.
John Messenger, the report's lead author, notes that the pandemic has raised awareness of the importance of personal life and a different view of the labour market. If learned correctly, it can help improve business efficiency and address many social issues.
Reducing the work week:
- leads to improved mental and physical health;
- increases job satisfaction;
- builds a sense of safety in the workplace.
Despite all the research, most still consider salary and social benefits a priority in work. Among the 800 respondents, 39% chose a work-life balance, while 28% said they wanted to work remotely.
Nova Scotia and British Columbia have already experimented with a 4-day work week.
