Google founders: End the 40-hour work week
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Earlier this month, Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin talked about putting an end to the 40-hour work week.
From Mashable:
People need "things to do" and "need to feel like you're needed," desires that are fulfilled through labor. One solution he offered: reduce the work week and perhaps split one full-time job into multiple part-time jobs.
"You just reduce work time," Page said. "Most people, if I ask them, 'Would you like an extra week of vacation?' They raise their hands, 100% of the people. 'Two weeks vacation, or a four-day work week?' Everyone will raise their hand. Most people like working, but they'd also like to have more time with their family or to pursue their own interests. So that would be one way to deal with the problem, is if you had a coordinated way to just reduce the workweek. And then, if you add slightly less employment, you can adjust and people will still have jobs."
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Patrick Moorhead, an analyst with Moor Insights & Strategy, told Computerworld this is "out of touch with your average Google user."
More from Computerworld:
"I can see value in two people getting work experience and competitiveness, but it doesn't solve the problem of not being fully employed," he added. "It's not like rent is half as expensive if you are half-employed."
The comment could also fuel the growing anger in the Bay Area between the tech-haves and the have-nots.
"It is a good example of reinforcing a belief that they haven't worried about paying rent or filling the refrigerator for a long time," said Moorhead.
What do you think of a shorter work week? Would it work in your industry? Leave your comments below.