'Progressive' workplaces likely to offer 4-day work week in near future, says HR expert
A Vancouver-based human resources expert says forward-thinking workplaces in Canada are likely to jump on the four-day work week bandwagon in the coming years.
In an interview on CTV Morning Live, Debby Carreau says that calls for changing work hours are getting louder and come as companies in other countries have seen success with reducing weekly work hours.
“This one bubbled up right before the pandemic and then obviously went silent,” she said.
“But we're seeing it again, all over the world.”
Trials of a shorter work week in Iceland have been hailed as an "overwhelming success" by researchers, and saw the health and well-being of workers increase dramatically.
“Lots of large organizations are testing this concept of a four-day work week because it shows people are just productive, but they're much happier and much healthier,” Carreau said.
Last year in Japan, Microsoft experimented by closing its offices on Fridays, and productivity went up by 40 per cent, despite the fact that staff spent less time at work.
“Some of the big corporations are testing this and usually when they do, other companies follow suit,” Carreau said.
“I really think over the next couple of years we're going to start to see more progressive organizations roll this one out, I think it's actually a really good one.”
It comes at a time when workers are increasingly demanding more flexibility after having shown they can successfully work from home during the pandemic. Meanwhile, companies are eager to try and keep them on board.
Carreau says the current job market favours job seekers. With many people making career changes or leaving their jobs for positions that offer more flexibility, there are a lot of vacant positions.
“People are resigning left right and centre for so many different reasons, but what that means is we've got a real job-seekers market out there,” she said.
“There's lots of jobs available, wages are going up, employers are fighting over top talents. So, now, really is the time for job seekers to get out there and really follow their dreams."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.