多くの正社員は週5日働いていますが、一部の企業では週4日勤務を試験的に導入しています。

READING

Most full-time employees work five days a week, but some companies are experimenting with a four-day workweek. Under this system, workers may keep the same salary while reducing the number of working days, or they may work longer hours on each of four days. Companies usually reorganize meetings, deadlines, and customer service so that important tasks can still be completed.

Supporters say a four-day workweek can offer several benefits. Having an additional day away from work may give employees more time to rest, manage family responsibilities, or attend appointments. This can improve employees' work-life balance. There is another advantage. Since a shorter workweek can make a company more attractive to workers who value greater control over their time, it may help to maintain an experienced workforce.

Nevertheless, critics point out some problems. If the same amount of work must be completed in fewer days, employees may face heavier workloads during working hours. The extra day off may therefore provide less benefit than expected. There is another concern. Businesses that serve customers throughout the week must arrange schedules carefully. If too many employees are absent on the same day, customers may wait longer and coworkers may have difficulty getting timely support.