Four-day work week in Canada is possible: report

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – The idea of a four-day workweek has been getting a lot of attention lately but what would it take for Canada to get there?

A new report from the Fraser Institute says Canada could achieve that goal without changing its standard of living provided certain conditions are met.

The study claims if Canada boosts productivity by two per cent each year over the next decade, the average worker could make more money and enjoy a three-day weekend.

“To achieve a four-day workweek, where we work fewer hours while at the same time maintaining our current living standards, we need to be more productive,” said Steven Globerman with the Fraser Institute.

The study shows with two per cent productivity growth per year, workers would even enjoy an inflation-adjusted cumulative 1.5 per cent increase in income.

“If governments pursue policies that encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, worker productivity will rise and Canadians will be able to enjoy more leisure time,” said Globerman.

A 2018 report found about 70 of Canadians surveyed would support a four-day workweek.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern recently proposed the idea of the shortened workweek as a way to boost that country’s economy during its recovery from the pandemic.

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