4 Days, 40 Hours
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4 Days, 40 Hours is a book by Riva Poor reporting on a "revolution in work and leisure" from the rearranged work week. In some cases, the book shows, companies can increase production and profit while giving employees more time off.[1] For example, Kyanize Paints would make 3 batches of paint on each of 5 work days, leaving the factory closed on weekends. Employees agreed to work 2 extra hours Monday through Thursday, in exchange for Friday off. The factory was then able to make 4 batches of paint on each of 4 work days. This increased production from 15 to 16 batches.
David Hamilton wrote, "Her research indicates that the shorter week is most successful in small, nondiversified industries." [2]
- Economist Paul Samuelson, who has endorsed the idea of the four-day week, suggests another possible result: a change in "the division of labor between husband and wife in the home to redress the ancient curse of female drudgery." Time Magazine - March 1, 1971
