A Testament to Progressive Work Culture
In response to Senator Bernie Sanders’ introduction of the Thirty-Two Hour Work Week Act, we at FSET would like to share our experience with our 4-day work week pilot aligning with the principles outlined in this proposed legislation. Since January 2024, FSET has been piloting a 4-day work week through 4 Day Week Global. Incorporating the shortened work week model, we are pleased to report that our results have been overwhelmingly positive.
FSET initiated the 4-day work week pilot as part of our commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance. We recognized the potential benefits of a shorter work week, particularly as artificial intelligence, automation, and new technology have significantly enhanced productivity in recent years. Like Sen. Sanders, we believe these technological advancements should benefit the working class.
Our pilot program involves a 32-hour work week, with no reduction in pay or benefits for our employees. This model aligns with the proposed bill’s provisions, which propose a similar framework. In our experience, not only has this led to happier, less stressed employees, but it has also resulted in consistent productivity.
At FSET, we agree with the sentiment expressed by Sen. Sanders that this transition is not a radical idea. Our pilot has demonstrated that workers can be more productive in a shorter work week, reinforcing the fact that longer hours do not necessarily equate to higher output. This shift has allowed our employees to enjoy a better quality of life, with more time for personal pursuits and family commitments.
Employee Q&A
As we want to improve the pilot continually, we asked our team for feedback. Connor Fitzpatrick, FSET System Administrator, gladly shared his thoughts.
Question: Have you noticed a productivity or work quality change with the four-day work week?
Answer: Absolutely – every Monday, I feel energized and ready to get into my work.
Question: Do you feel more or less stressed since the introduction of the four-day work week?
Answer: I am much less stressed at work and far more relaxed on my days off, though I do need to remind myself sometimes that deadlines are slimmer now.
Question: Have you found it easier or harder to manage your workload within the four-day structure?
Answer: While it presents its challenges (especially while being such a new thing for us to adapt to), those same challenges often identify pressure points that we hadn’t realized existed. Finding and addressing those pressure points then leads to improved internal processes and benefits us in the long run.
Question: How did you find adapting to a 4 Day Week? Any challenges or tips you came across that helped you adapt?
Answer: I highly recommend setting up recurring Out of Office events on your calendar. This helps reduce notifications for you during your off time while making sure others are aware of your unavailability. If someone had to message you on your day off for assistance or guidance, see if the answers or resolution can be effectively documented so that the information is readily available without you, which for us technicians usually means the ticket can be completed that much faster and a user can continue their day.
Moving Forward
We are pleased to see the introduction of the Thirty-Two Hour Work Week Act in America. We look forward to seeing how it progresses through the legislative process. Our pilot is a practical example of how this proposed legislation could positively impact businesses in America and workers alike.
As we continue with our 4-day work week pilot, we remain committed to monitoring its impacts and adjusting our approach as necessary to ensure our workforce’s ongoing well-being and productivity. Our experience has shown that a shorter work week is beneficial on multiple fronts, highlighting the potential for such a model to become the new standard.