TED: The case for a 4-day work week | Juliet Schor

The video discusses the impact of the pandemic on work stress and job quits, highlighting the benefits of a four-day workweek. It explores various trials and case studies, showing improved productivity and work-life balance. The video compares global productivity and discusses government initiatives to reduce work hours. It also examines the future of work and its potential climate benefits, concluding with practical questions about implementing a four-day week.

What is one of the main reasons companies are considering a four-day work week?

• To decrease company profits

• To reduce employee stress and burnout

• To eliminate remote work

• To increase the number of working hours

How does a four-day work week benefit companies?

• By lowering healthcare costs and improving service quality

• By increasing employee turnover

• By reducing the quality of job applicants

• By increasing the number of meetings

What is a common change companies make to accommodate a four-day work week?

• Increasing the number of meetings

• Reducing the frequency and length of meetings

• Increasing the number of workdays

• Eliminating remote work options

Which country has implemented a successful trial of a shorter work week, resulting in improved employee well-being?

• United States

• Iceland

• Italy

• Japan

Which European countries are noted for having high productivity with shorter work hours?

• Germany and Greece

• Spain and Italy

• Norway and Denmark

• United Kingdom and France

What is a key challenge in implementing a four-day work week in certain industries?

• Infeasibility of completing all work in reduced time

• Lack of employee interest

• Increased need for overtime

• Decreased productivity in tech firms

How can a four-day work week contribute to addressing climate change?

• By encouraging more business travel

• By expanding production to its maximum

• By reducing commuting and promoting a lower carbon footprint

• By increasing the number of work hours

What is a potential societal benefit of a four-day work week mentioned in the conclusion?

• Higher unemployment rates

• Reduced government support

• Enhanced quality of life and social fabric

• Increased economic inequality

What role does government support play in the adoption of a four-day work week?

• It helps move beyond innovative companies to a broader implementation

• It discourages companies from adopting the model

• It is unnecessary for widespread adoption

• It increases the cost of implementation

What is a potential benefit of a universal basic income in the context of a four-day work week?

• It discourages people from working

• It reduces the need for government support

• It increases the number of work hours

• It allows low earners to afford taking an extra day off