5 reasons why Canada should consider moving to a 4-day work week (2024)

Nine out of 10 Canadians are interested in a four-day work week, according to a recent survey, making it their most desirable benefit ahead of health care, flexible scheduling and additional vacation days.

To be clear, a four-day work week in this context does not refer to a condensed five-day schedule, but rather the 100-80-100 model, where employees work 80 per cent of the time while maintaining 100 per cent of their productivity and pay. This means Canada, which already struggles with productivity levels, won’t see a dip if it switches to this model.

Globally, the four-day work week has proven successful. 4 Day Week Global, a not-for-profit organization, has run pilot programs in six continents. It reports that 91 per cent of companies that have tried this model chose to continue with it.

Could the four-day work week be Canada’s new reality? While we can’t predict the future, here are five compelling reasons why a reduced work week makes sense for the country.

1. Declining work hours over time

Over the past 150 years, work hours have been consistently decreasing despite resistance from employers. In the past, Canadian factory workers used to endure up to 12-hour workdays, six days a week, totalling a gruelling 72-hour work week.

In 1872, when printers in Toronto requested a nine-hour workday, their demands were dismissed as “foolish,” “absurd,” and “unreasonable” by employers. This led to the historic Printers’ Strike, a part of the Nine Hour Movement advocating for shorter workdays.

Over the next century, unionized workers continued to fight against employer skepticism and achieve shorter work weeks. The standard work week was progressively reduced until it reached 40 hours in the 1960s.

Throughout history, efforts to reduce work hours have consistently faced strong resistance from employers. However, these efforts have ultimately prevailed, aligning with evolving societal norms and economic conditions. The five-day work week has been our model for 60 years. It is time to try something different.

2. The outdated 5-day work week

The traditional five-day work week, once suitable for single-income families, is now incompatible with today’s dual-income households. While the typical work week has remained unchanged for decades, family dynamics have shifted significantly over the past 60 years.

Decades ago, one salary often sufficed for a family. Today, most Canadian families have dual incomes, working twice as much without a reduction in family responsibilities. This shift has significantly increased the burden of household management, making families more reliant on external support.

In 1979, Canada had 110,000 licensed childcare spaces, covering seven per cent of children. Today, this has increased tenfold, yet many parents still face wait lists.

Research also shows that dual-income families experience greater work-family conflict and stress compared to single-income families, with women shouldering 50 per cent more unpaid housework according to Statistics Canada than men.

A combined 60-hour work week is more optimal according to research, offering parents substantial benefits in job flexibility and family satisfaction.

3. Sustainability benefits of a 4-day work week

Canada has an ambitious plan to reduce CO2 emissions by 40 to 45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050.

Reducing the number of hours worked is one of the most effective strategies to lower our carbon footprint, as it means using less machinery and reducing commuting, both of which cut emissions.

Additionally, a four-day work week could lead to reduced consumption. When people work long hours, they tend to consume more. To encourage people to engage in sustainable activities like cooking food at home, biking and making eco-friendly home improvements, they need more time.

Research on French families’ work and consumption patterns confirms that, to be more sustainable, families need to work less.

4. Success stories from around the world

Many countries around the world have experimented with and implemented shorter work weeks with remarkable success. In Iceland, a large-scale trial of a four-day work week with no reduction in pay led to increased productivity, improved employee well-being and reduced stress levels.

Similarly, in the United Kingdom, various companies have run four-day work week trials, reporting positive outcomes such as enhanced employee morale, greater retention rates and sustained or improved productivity.

Read more: 4-day work week trials have been labelled a ‘resounding success’. But 4 big questions need answers

France has maintained a 35-hour work week since 1998, with no government reverting to a 40-hour standard.

The rapid dissemination of these success stories through social media and news feeds appears to be influencing expectations and might lead more Canadians to advocate for a four-day work week, knowing that others have already obtained it.

5. The 4-day work week in Canada

Canadian companies have also been adopting the four-day work week with success, as seen in Ontario, British Columbia and Québec. These initiatives have been spearheaded by forward-thinking leaders, despite the lack of a nationwide proposal from any political party.

Notably, the B.C. Green Party called for a four-day work week pilot in 2023, highlighting growing political interest in the model.

Historically, unions have played a pivotal role in reducing work hours for employees. Today, although union influence may have waned, the momentum for shorter work weeks continues, driven by regular employee turnover and individual negotiations.

Average yearly work hours have declined from 1,840 in 1997 to 1,716 in 2022, while GDP has continued to rise. This trend indicates that many Canadians are working fewer hours with no detriment to economic performance, providing a compelling case for the broader adoption of the four-day work week.

A shift is underway

While there is no nationwide law mandating reduced workhours and no major unions have publicly called for it, an increasing number of businesses are adopting four-day work weeks. Given the worldwide popularity and positive results of the approach, this trend is likely to continue to grow in Canada.

The four-day work week presents significant opportunities for organizations. Top-performing employees are drawn to jobs with the best benefits, and the four-day work week is quickly becoming the most coveted benefit. Companies that implement this model are well-positioned to attract and retain talented workers.

For the average worker, a four-day work week means improved work-life balance, more time to spend with family and friends, and opportunities to pursue personal interests and hobbies. This shift can lead to increased job satisfaction, better mental health and overall quality of life. As more organizations adopt this model, employees can look forward to a future where the balance between work and personal life is more manageable and enriching.

5 reasons why Canada should consider moving to a 4-day work week (2024)

FAQs

5 reasons why Canada should consider moving to a 4-day work week? ›

“Canada should adopt a four-day work week to improve work-life balance, boost productivity, and increase employee retention. This model, which has seen success worldwide, provides environmental benefits and modernizes the outdated five-day schedule that no longer fits modern family dynamics.

What are the benefits of a 4-day work week? ›

Benefits of a four-day work week
  • Boosted productivity. ...
  • Increased employee satisfaction. ...
  • Better employee retention. ...
  • Attract more talent. ...
  • Define your goals for a four-day work week. ...
  • How will you measure the effectiveness of a four-day work week? ...
  • How will you maintain employee effectiveness?

Why should I consider moving to Canada? ›

High Quality of Life. Quality of life isn't just a buzzword in Canada; it's a lived reality. Consistently topping global rankings, Canada offers a life that's the epitome of comfort and convenience. From world-class healthcare to top-notch education and unparalleled safety, Canada checks all the boxes.

Why was Canada a good place to work? ›

Peaceful Environment

Above all, Canada is one of the safest and most friendly places to work, study, and live. Canada offers excellent immigration and recruitment opportunities to encourage more skilled individuals to enhance their skills and knowledge and gain tremendous working experience to bolster the economy.

Why Canada is best for workers? ›

why is Canada a great place to work? We have great economic freedom thanks to our sound, reliable and transparent public finances. Our banks and banking systems are reliable and efficient (4 of the top 10 banks in the world are Canadian).

Why is a 4 day work week better for the environment? ›

If organisations adopt a 4 day working week, the daily head count in the office drops by approximately 20% and the number of cars on the road drops by at least a fifth. It's a win-win-win scenario for employees, employers and the environment.

Is working 4 days a week better than 5? ›

While the four-day workweek offers potential benefits in terms of employee motivation and work-life balance, it may not be suitable for all industries. The five-day workweek remains the standard, although it presents challenges in maintaining work-life balance and productivity.

What are the pros and cons of Canada? ›

Quick Overview – Pros and Cons of Living in Canada
Pros of Living in CanadaCons of Living in Canada
Beautiful and diverse landscapesCold winters
Free healthcare and educationHousing is expensive
High quality of lifeHigh cost of living
Strong economyCompetitive job market
7 more rows
Apr 14, 2024

Why is Canada better to live? ›

While people generally pay more in taxes in the U.S., Canada offers superior social benefits. The cost of attending a university and expenses for healthcare are typically less in Canada.

Why move to Canada from the US? ›

Ample job opportunities, lower crime rates, strong work benefits, and wide-open spaces make moving to Canada from the U.S. attractive. Sure, you can find all of these things in America, but in Canada, it's a way of life.

Is it better to work in Canada or USA? ›

The at-will employment doctrine in the USA allows for flexible hiring and firing practices, whereas Canada offers greater job security and stringent labor protections. Canada has a stronger union representation and employee protections tradition, contributing to more robust labor rights than the USA.

Is Canada a good place to live and work? ›

Canada is frequently ranked as one of the best countries in the world for people to live. Noted for health care, quality education, low crime rates and opportunities for professional mobility, Canada offers a high quality of life for those looking to build careers and start families.

Does Canada have free healthcare? ›

All Canadian citizens and permanent residents receive medically necessary hospital and physician services free at the point of use. This does not mean, however, that healthcare is free in Canada. Most government funds for Canadian Medicare, as their health system is called, come from collected taxes.

Why should we have four-day weeks? ›

Cost savings: The model can save schools money by reducing expenses like transportation and utilities. Improved student performance: Some studies have shown that students perform better on standardized tests with the four-day week model.

What are the disadvantages of a 4-day work week? ›

One of the most common disadvantages of a 4-day work week is balancing shifts. If you're a Monday to Friday business, staying that way gets a bit more complicated. Depending on your workplace, certain days of the week might be more hotly contested than others.

What are the pros and cons of 4 on 4 off shift pattern? ›

The 4 on 4 off shift pattern can be good for those seeking regular extended time off and a predictable schedule. Pros include ample rest days and coverage consistency, while cons can involve longer workdays and potential challenges in personal scheduling on workdays.

Is it better to work 4 10 hour days or 5 8 hour days? ›

The Pros of a 4/10 Work Schedule

According to Workforce Institute's research, it reduces employee stress and boosts their happiness and well-being. The extra day off allows employees more time to pursue personal interests, hobbies, and spend time with their families.

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