Case for a Four Day Week

Anna Coote is Principal Fellow at the New Economics Foundation (NEF).Aidan Harper is Researcher at the NEF.Alfie Stirling is Director of Research and Chief Economist at the NEF.

“In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, now is the time to rethink how we live our lives and care for our planet. This book sets out, clearly and powerfully, a compelling agenda for change.”Caroline Lucas, UK Green Party MP“Timely and important. A punchy, persuasive analysis of how a shorter working week can boost our collective health and wealth. A must-read for anyone who wants real change at work.”Frances O’Grady, General Secretary, UK Trades Union Congress“A compelling argument for limiting working hours to the equivalent of a four day week, backed by a range of suggested policy initiatives. Particularly valuable is the demonstration of the beneficial effects of reduced hours on the morale and performance of employees, and the account of case studies in reduction from round the world.”Roberet Skidelsky, British economic historian, member of UK House of Lords, biographer of John Maynard Keynes“This is the go-to book for understanding why it is time to reject austerity and commit to true sharing – of work, income and planet.”Juliet Schor, author of The Overworked American“A strong case for the four-day week. The three leading experts map out a pragmatic pathway to a shorter working week that safeguards earnings for the lower-paid and keeps the economy flourishing... vital reading for anyone looking for a better work/life balance."Glamour Magazine“Pragmatic and sensible”Social Europe

• 1 Introduction Where did ‘normal’ come from?Economic developmentsCultural developmentsWe can change what is ‘normal’Notes2 Why We Need a Shorter Working WeekHealth and wellbeingDistributions of work and timePaid and unpaid labourGender relationsTransforming childcareCo-producing public servicesTaking control and enriching democracySafeguarding the environmentNotes3 Some ChallengesWill a shorter working week mean that people can’t choose?Is leisure more sustainable?What about pay?Is a shorter working week bad for the economy?Rethinking the goals of the economyNotes4 Learning from Practical ExperienceState-led interventionsNegotiated agreements at sector and workplace levelsEmployers’ initiativesLearning from practical experienceNotes5 A Road Map for TransitionPreparing the groundSupporting innovationStrengthening and extending existing entitlementsChanging the climate of opinionEmbedding change and building momentumNotesIn ConclusionIndex