4-Day Workweek Proposed In PA Amid Calls For Sweeping Change

HARRISBURG, PA — Citing both the stress and dysfunction placed upon workers by the modern economy, and a labor market changed forever by COVID-19, Pennsylvania lawmakers are pushing to incentivize businesses that move to a four day workweek.

A forthcoming bill in the Pennsylvania general assembly would provide state income tax credit to employers that switch to a four day, 32-hour workweek. The Department of Labor and Industry would run an initial pilot program with companies, before potentially expanding the program in the future.

"Studies have shown that a 4-day workweek reduces employee stress, burnout, and fatigue," State Reps. Dave Madsen, Chris Pielli, and Joshua Siegel wrote in a co-sponsorship memorandum. "In addition, it positively impacts an employee’s mental health, work-life balance, and physical wellbeing, all without negatively impacting a business’ productivity and revenue."

But this isn't just a boon for the 99 percent: officials cited a recent pilot program from the international organization 4 Day Week Global that showed increases across the board in both productivity and company revenue.

Of the companies that participated in the study, the largest of its kind completed to date, all except for one agreed that moving to a four-day week would benefit their business. Some fifteen percent of companies said that "no amount of money" could sway them from going back to a five day workweek.

State representatives said that the shift would provide workers with greater flexibility, and more time to spend with their families, helping their communities, and pursuing their passions.

The notion has broad support from leaders around the globe.

"With exploding technology and increased worker productivity, it’s time to move toward a four-day work week with no loss of pay," U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders said. "Workers must benefit from technology, not just corporate CEOs."

The nonprofit 4 Day Week Global noted specifically how the pandemic had made the need for change inescapable. More and more workers saw the line between home and work eliminated, and as the economy plunged and historic inflation rates set in, companies only doubled down on capitalizing on their workers.

"Workplace stress, long hours, and the pressures of daily life have emerged as urgent problems (since the pandemic)," the organization said. "A shorter work week is an obvious response."

4 Day Global calls the notion a "multiple dividend reform" in that helps both companies and people, in addition to the planet. Shorter workweeks are associated with drastic reductions in carbon emissions, chiefly from reduced time spent commuting.

Not commuting and not working also spur trends in "pro-environmental behaviors," as ecological researcher Stefanie Gerold told BBC.

"When people work less, they have more free time for sustainable activities which are often more time-intensive," Gerold, who works at Brandenburg University of Technology in Germany, told the outlet.

Hiking, volunteering, stay-at-home hobies, and even habits like recycling and buying eco-friendly products were increased, according to the 4 Day Global trial showed.

Pennsylvania lawmakers cited both workers spending more time with families, as well as being more active in their communities, as pressing reasons to shift the paradigm in the state.