Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a bill that would help establish a four-day workweek trial program in the state.
As reported by Boston 25 News and CBS News Boston, this initiative would create a two-year pilot program to help the state study the impacts and benefits of a shortened workweek.
The proposed “Massachusetts Smart Work Week Pilot” would require interested employers to apply and qualify for participation in the program. During the program, these companies would report their findings for the duration of the program — focusing on productivity, employee happiness, and environmental impacts. Incentives for participation include a tax credit, encouraging a diverse range of industries to join the study.
Representative Dylan Fernandes, one of the bill’s sponsors, shared the potential benefits with Boston 25 News, stating, “The data is pretty clear that it shows that employees on a four-day workweek are actually more productive, it improves company productivity, and not only that, it improves employer retention and helps attract top talent.”
Supporting this consideration is a six-month trial in the United Kingdom, involving a 32-hour workweek instead of the standard 40, which found overwhelming success. All participating companies were found to favor the new schedule, citing reduced stress, better health, and improved productivity.
