Career - Four day work week

"Consultants at work" - picture from Microsoft Clipart

Change is usually accepted slowly for most people are more comfortable with the familiar then they are with the unknown.  The headlines for August 20 2008 in Canada are showing the signs of change, from a 40 hour five day work week to a 40 hour four day work week. 

See   http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2008/08/19/f-fourday.html

The fascinating part about the change is that it is driven by socio-political factors out of the control of corporations or their employees.  Some of the reasons are:

• rising gasoline prices
• higher energy prices for running buildings
• loosing valuable employees who look for employment closer to home because of high fuel and long commutes
• offering three day weekends to promote more quality time for family and self

Some of the consequences of the change are yet to be analyzed.  While the savings are a more quantifiable number for corporations, no one has done a study to see what effects the longer day has on:

• child care costs and issues
• picking up kids after school and taking to games, lessons, etc.
• moving the family meal back two hours
• or, getting everyone up an hour earlier, and having the meal an hour later

Doctors and nurses and police and fireman and EMS in many places have been on twelve hour shifts for many years.  The schedule plays havoc with their family and their social life, and with the doctors and nurses, even with patient care when they are over tired. 

It is workable, however.  Ranchers and farmers have worked varied schedules from the beginning of their ranch life.  They work very hard and long hours when the work is to be done, and they try to take it easier when the work allows it.  Our Ancestors also hunted and gathered as they needed to and they took time to celebrate.  Perhaps with a shorter work week, people will feel more relaxed and take time to celebrate the good in their life.

Blessings,

Judith