(MENAFN- The Conversation) According to a recent survey, nine out of 10 Canadians are interested in a four-day workweek. It is their most desired work benefit, ahead of health care, flexible hours and extra vacation days.

To be clear, a four-day workweek in this context does not refer to a condensed five-day schedule, but to the 100-80-100 model, where employees work 80 percent of the time while maintaining 100 percent of their productivity and pay. This means that Canada, which is already struggling with productivity levels, will not see a dip if it moves to this model.

The four-day workweek has proven successful worldwide. 4 Day Week Global, a nonprofit organization, has run pilot programs on six continents. It reports that 91 percent of companies that tried the model chose to continue with it.

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

1. Decreasing working hours over time

Over the past 150 years, working hours have steadily declined, despite resistance from employers. In the past, Canadian factory workers were forced to work up to 12-hour days, six days a week, which amounted to a grueling 72-hour workweek.

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

In the following century, union members continued to fight against employer scepticism and achieved shorter working weeks. The standard working week was gradually shortened until it reached 40 hours in the 1960s.

Throughout history, attempts to reduce working hours have been met with strong resistance from employers. These efforts have eventually prevailed, in line with changing societal norms and economic conditions. The five-day workweek has been our model for 60 years. It’s time to try something different.

2. The outdated 5-day workweek

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

Decades ago, one salary was often enough to support a family. Today, most Canadian families have dual incomes, working twice as much without diminishing family responsibilities. This shift has significantly increased the burden on the household, making families more dependent on outside support.

In 1979, Canada had 110,000 licensed childcare spaces, accounting for seven percent of children. Today, that number has increased tenfold, but many parents still face waiting lists.

Research also shows that dual-income families experience more work-family conflict and stress than single-income families. According to Statistics Canada, women do 50 percent more unpaid housework than men.

Research has shown that a combined 60-hour workweek is more optimal and offers parents significant benefits in terms of work flexibility and family satisfaction.

3. Sustainability Benefits of a Four-Day Workweek

Canada has an ambitious plan to reduce carbon emissions by 40 to 45 percent from 2005 levels by 2030, with the goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.

Reducing the number of hours worked is one of the most effective strategies to reduce our carbon footprint, as it means we can use fewer machines and travel less, both of which lead to lower emissions.

In addition, a four-day workweek can lead to less consumption. When people work long hours, they tend to consume more. To encourage people to engage in sustainable activities, such as cooking at home, cycling, and making eco-friendly improvements to their homes, they need more time.

Research into the work and consumption patterns of French families confirms that families need to work less to be more sustainable.

4. Success stories from around the world

Many countries around the world have experimented with and implemented shorter workweeks with remarkable success. In Iceland, a large-scale trial of a four-day workweek without a pay cut led to higher productivity, improved employee well-being and lower stress levels.

In the UK, several companies have trialled a four-day working week, reporting positive results including improved employee morale, higher staff turnover and sustained or improved productivity.

Read more: Trials of a 4-day workweek are being hailed as a ‘resounding success’. But 4 big questions need to be answered

Since 1998, France has had a 35-hour working week, and no government has reduced the standard to 40 hours.

The rapid spread of these success stories through social media and news feeds appears to be shaping expectations and may lead more Canadians to advocate for a four-day workweek, knowing that others have already received it.

5. The four-day workweek in Canada

Canadian companies have also successfully implemented the four-day workweek, as seen in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec. These initiatives have been spearheaded by progressive leaders, despite the absence of a national political party proposal.

Notably, the British Columbia Green Party has called for a trial of a four-day workweek in 2023, demonstrating growing political interest in this model.

Historically, unions have played a critical role in reducing workers’ hours. Today, while union influence may have waned, the momentum for shorter workweeks remains, driven by regular employee turnover and individual bargaining.

The average number of hours worked per year has fallen from 1,840 in 1997 to 1,716 in 2022, while GDP has continued to rise. This trend suggests that many Canadians are working fewer hours without sacrificing economic performance, providing a compelling argument for the broader adoption of the four-day workweek.

There is a change going on

Although there is no federal law requiring reduced hours and no major union has publicly called for them, more and more companies are adopting four-day workweeks. Given the global popularity and positive results of the approach, this trend is likely to continue in Canada.

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

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

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