3 Day Work Week? It Comes With Caveats
(Courtesy: http://www.carlosslim.com/)
How does a 3 day work week sound? That could be the case if a Mexican billionaire has his way, according to a recent CNN Money article.
Carlos Slim — worth some $83 billion — recently said that workers should have more time when they’re young to enjoy life rather than sitting in a cubicle all week long:
“You should have more time for you during all of your life — not when you’re 65 and retired,” Slim told CNNMoney’s Christine Romans
However, the proposal comes with strings attached: 11-hour workdays and pushing the retirement age to 75.
But is that so bad? Many employees are already work long hours, definitely more than three days a week, so an 11-hour workday isn’t necessarily that daunting (especially if it’s for only three days each week).
As far as pushing ahead the retirement age, there’s mounting evidence that many people currently in the workforce won’t be retiring anytime soon, due to the Great Recession and other economic factors. If people — including yours truly — are planning to work through their “golden years”, then why not enjoy four days off each week? I think it could help employees avoid burnout — and, as Bell notes in the CNN Money article, you’re wiser as you get older, making you a valuable asset to an employer:
“It’s a society of knowledge and experience. You have better experience and knowledge when you are 60, 65 and 70,” Slim said.
It’s a radical idea, but it could help employees and employees find a greater level of happiness – and isn’t that what it’s all about?
(h/t CNN Money)
JUSTIN BURTON, MBA 