Millennials Are the Driving Force Behind Four-Day Work Weeks in America, Survey Finds

Millennials could one day be the reason for the traditional five-day, 40-hour work week becoming a relic of a bygone era. 

According to a recent poll of 4,000 eligible U.S. voters, conducted by Redfield and Wilton Strategies and published by Newsweek, 63% said they support transitioning to a four-day work week —with millennials showing the strongest support at 74%. 

The concept of a four-day work week involves employees working reduced hours, typically 32 hours per week, as opposed to the standard 40. Proponents believe workers are still capable of completing the same amount of work in the reduced time, while receiving their full compensation package.  

In the U.S., the idea has really entered the limelight due to Senator Bernie Sanders, chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.  

Sanders introduced legislation to establish a 32-hour workweek in the U.S. without any reduction in pay — asserting that this change is essential to ensure that U.S. workers benefit from the significant productivity gains and technological advancements of recent decades (including artificial intelligence).   

According to a report published by Common Dreams, the proposed bill, co-sponsored by Senator Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) and with companion legislation in the House led by Representative Mark Takano (D-Calif.), outlines a gradual reduction in the standard workweek from 40 to 32 hours over the course of four years. It also mandates overtime pay at time and a half for workdays exceeding eight hours and double pay for workdays surpassing 12 hours. 

Pushing for four-day weeks, Sanders has highlighted that Americans work more hours than people in most other wealthy nations, logging hundreds more hours per year than employees in countries like Japan, the United Kingdom, and Germany. 

In Canada, several businesses have implemented a four-day work week after initial trials — reporting numerous benefits, including improved work-life balance for employees, lower burnout rates, and higher employee retention rates.  

The shift towards a four-day work week is driven by the changing priorities of younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen-Z, who prioritize lifestyle alongside their careers.  

While the four-day work week may not be feasible for all industries, the concept is slowly gaining momentum around the world. As these generations make up an increasing portion of the workforce, businesses are being encouraged to adapt to their preferences and expectations, which include flexibility, technology integration, and a greater emphasis on work-life balance.