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Canton, Connecticut Trials Four-Day Workweek with Positive Early Results
The town of Canton, Connecticut, which has a population of 10,124, is currently testing a four-day workweek for its employees, and initial outcomes have been promising. The trial began on September 16, allowing non-unionized staff in town hall, social services, and senior services to enjoy an extra day off each week.
Canton’s First Selectman, Kevin Witkos, emphasized the aim of this initiative is to enhance work-life balance for employees. He noted that being able to manage personal responsibilities without the stress of job obligations makes employees more focused while at work. “I wanted to find a work-life balance for my employees because I think that if you can take care of your personal items at home and you’re not worried about making appointments and taking care of your kids, etc., then you’ll be more laser-focused at work,” he stated in an interview with WTNH News.
The response from town employees participating in the new schedule has been overwhelmingly positive, with feedback from the community also indicating approval. Employees now work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, while Wednesday hours are extended to 6 p.m. for those in town hall. Senior and social services staff have adjusted their hours to 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. from Monday to Thursday. Additionally, employees from the Department of Public Works and the Police Department are also included in this four-day workweek trial, which is set to last until January.
Canton is part of a broader movement, as other Connecticut towns like Plainville, Redding, and Mansfield have similarly embraced this work model.
Beyond local government initiatives, the trend towards shorter workweeks is gaining traction in various sectors. For instance, Kickstarter’s CEO Everette Taylor shared insights in July about the positive productivity reported after the company shifted to a four-day workweek. “I love the fact that the people at our company have interests,” he remarked, reflecting a growing recognition that employee well-being can lead to enhanced performance.
Public sentiment supports this shift; a November 2023 Gallup poll revealed that 77% of the U.S. workforce favors a 40-hour, four-day workweek, citing its potential to improve well-being. Moreover, evidence from a 2021 trial in the UK involving 70 companies demonstrated that productivity either remained stable or even improved under a compressed work schedule, defying conventional concerns about decreased output.
Tech leaders are also weighing in on the viability of reduced workweeks. Zoom’s CEO Eric Yuan suggested in a conversation with The Verge that advancements in artificial intelligence could facilitate a reduction in work hours, advocating for more personal time and creative pursuits. Yuan posed a thought-provoking question, “Why not spend more time with your family? Why not focus on some more creative things?” His comments underscore a larger dialogue about work culture and its evolution.
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