Recently Justin Trudeau joined the chorus of national leaders who have spoken favorably about the 4-day week. Now, British Columbia Green Party politician Sonia Furstenau argues that “A four-day workweek in BC would make time for what really matters:”
COVID-19 will continue to present unique economic challenges that require new solutions. A shorter workweek could provide specific benefits during our economic recovery. One of the hardest-hit sectors of our economy will continue to be our tourism sector, and with international borders remaining closed, domestic tourism will be vital to the sector’s recovery.
A shorter workweek would give people the flexibility to explore their own backyard and give our tourism industry a much-needed boost. In other sectors, implementing reduced and staggered work schedules would help support physical distancing and less crowded offices.
Whether we want it to or not, the coronavirus is reshaping the status quo. We need to seize this opportunity to advance necessary changes to make our economy and society healthier, more resilient, and more innovative.
I talked about this subject this evening on the Scott Radley Show, in Hamilton Ontario: