More states are testing a shorter workweek, changing the standard 40 hours to 32.
One county in Washington state has been testing this since 2023.
And their newly released two-year report shows the county saved millions.
They estimated, if they had kept a 40 hour workweek, the budget would have to increase by nearly two million dollars in requests for higher cost-of-living adjustments and benefits over the course of 2024 and 2025.
They also found that open positions are being filled 27% faster than before.
Turnover rate dropped by 14% and quitting or retiring dropped by 28%
The county also surveyed employees on how they felt about the 32 hour workweek.
It found that 66% of people said the shorter workweek was the reason they wanted to stay in their position.
Only 2% said it was a reason they wanted to leave.
Some critics argue that businesses will have to increase prices for increased hourly rates.
So far, there is no evidence this happens.
Back in 2019, Microsoft Japan released their 4-day-workweek program.
They reported that savings in other areas, like a decrease in electricity costs and lower absence or turnover of workers, saved them enough to not raise prices.
Productivity also increased by 40%.
AB 1100 was introduced here in California in 2023, but it failed to pass.
It would have allowed a pilot program for state employees to have a 32-hour workweek while a government agency evaluated how it impacts an employee’s work-life balance.
We want to know:
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