Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
MPR News with Angela Davis
Angela Davis and Samantha Matsumoto

The promise and possibility of a four-day workweek

Calendar
Skip the five-day work week? Maybe.
Manasvita S. | Unsplash

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

A five-day, 40-hour workweek is the norm for many American workers. But why? What if instead of five work days, we had four? 

The idea of a four-day work week is gaining more and more traction. A recent pilot program in the U.K. tested four-day workweeks with fewer hours than the standard 40. The study showed positive results across the board for both employees and employers.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with three experts about the possibility and promise of a shorter workweek. 

Guests:

  • Chris Farrell is senior economics contributor at Marketplace, American Public Media's nationally syndicated public radio business and economic programs. He’s also a senior economics contributor at MPR News.

  • William P. Jones  is a professor of history at the University of Minnesota who studies and writes about organized labor, unions, racial inequality and the history of the Civil Rights movement.

  • Krista Lynn Minnotte is a professor of sociology at University of North Dakota and the co-editor in chief of “The Social Science Journal.” She has a Ph.D. in sociology.