Kate Whiting
May 3, 2024
A shorter workweek may enable a better work-life balance for many women. A 6-month trial involving 33 companies across 6 countries found that men who worked a 4-day week reported spending 22% more time on childcare and 23% more time on housework.
Studies show that women worldwide shoulder an unfair share of these duties, carrying out 3 times as much unpaid domestic and care work as men. This is associated with a greater mental health burden and a negative impact on quality of life.
A 4-day week could help to reduce this burden and improve the work-life balance of women. It could also give them more time to pursue their own interests and goals.
A 4-day week does not necessarily benefit all women. Employed women have the most to gain, but for those who already work long shifts, it may not be possible to cram 5 days of work into 4. Additionally, giving up pay in return for shorter hours may not be feasible for everyone.
Experts also say that we should not overlook other support for working women, such as subsidized childcare. Gender parity is critical for financial stability and economic performance, but the global gender gap has closed only by 0.3 percentage points since last year. At the current rate of progress, it will take 131 years to close the overall gender gap.
Kate Whiting
May 3, 2024
Annamaria Lusardi and Andrea Sticha
April 24, 2024
Claude Dyer and Vidhi Bhatia
April 18, 2024
Julie Masiga
April 12, 2024
Alex Edmans
April 12, 2024
John Hope Bryant
April 11, 2024