When Bill Kowalcic first heard that his company Advanced RV was trying out a four-day workweek, he was filled with questions.

“All of us were a little nervous — like, are we going to be able to get our work done? Are we going to do OK? Is this going to hurt us?” says Kowalcic, a skilled craftsman who works in the finishing department.

A year and a half later, he has answers.

Not only has his team found shortcuts and time savers, he’s happier on the job.

“Gosh, it’s been great,” he says.

“I’ve never had a job where I’ve said this before, but at the end of the three-day weekend, I’m ready to come back in Monday morning.”

  • shalafi@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    1 year ago

    40 hours in a week are slave hours

    I feel like I’m taking crazy pills.

    People really think putting in 40-hours is backbreaking, slavish, capitalistic, hellscape labor?!

    The more shit like this I read on social media like lemmy, the more I’m convinced the posters are literal children.

    “We don’t want to put any effort into anything and we want it all!”

    Sorry kids, if you want things, you have to provide value in return. It’s been this way since caveman times.

    “But I’m a seriously nice guy and I’m seriously cool!”

    Yeah, but what can you do for me? That’s what I’ll pay you for.

    “I’m really nice and cool!”

    I’m having a heart attack. Can you fix me?

    “No, but I’m a great person!”

    Yeah, I need a trained doctor, I’ll pay that person.

    “But…”

    Do you have skills and experience? It’s a complex world requiring education and experience.

    “NOOO! PAY ME!”

    • Candelestine@lemmy.worldEnglish
      4·
      1 year ago

      You have a fair point, but I think I can explain: It’s less about not wanting to pick up a skill, and more about needing a reason to do so, some kind of hope.

      Survival is great and all, but its animalistic and dumb, and we all end up dead anyway. So working just to survive is pointless. You’re no different than a cow or horse or chicken.

      Hope, that is a very human thing, and something some people feel they should be able to expect. It then comes down to a first things first consideration. What’s first, survival or fighting for a reason to survive?

      So, that’s what they fight for. And yes, it is certainly easier to hold when you’re young and more idealistic. I almost feel like it’s literally the job of young people, to challenge and push society in new directions so it doesn’t stagnate.

      Regarding 30 vs 40 hours, I’m guessing that’s mostly Europeans, 30 hours is more standard over there, 40 hours is more standard over here. Which is actually “superior” is still up for debate. Personally, if I’m hourly give me 40, if I’m salary give me 30.