Should we work less? Studies have found that a four-day week is good for people's mental health — and for workplaces. But some say it is just too big a change.
'Every weekend should be a three-day weekend'
Should we work less? Studies have found that a four-day week is good for people's mental health - and for workplaces. But some say it is just too big a change.
What's happening?
On Monday morning, thousands of people across Britain woke to the sound of alarm clocks ringing. Time to get out of bed and go to work! Then, they all remembered: they had an extra day off to celebrate King Charles III's coronationThe ceremony where a King or Queen is crowned.. Time to go back to sleep!
This month, Britons will enjoy three bank holidaysThe name for national public holidays in the UK, Ireland and some other places. Most people do not go to work. . For most of the month, people will only go to work on four days of the week instead of five.
Some people think we should have a four-day week every week.
Britons work long hours, and have fewer bank holidays than other countries in Europe.
Some say people might actually get more work done if they have more time off. Having a three-day weekend could help people's mental health and lower their stress.
Find out more
But others think making the weekend longer is a bad idea. The UK's leaders say bank holidays hurt the economyThe way that money flows through a country, which affects wages and the cost of living., because offices and factories have to close.
Yes! Many countries have already tried it. And almost everyone and every place that has says it is a good idea. Workers are happier and get more done.
No! This is not a quick change. And if people work for four days only, they might simply work for longer on those days.
Should we work less?
Keywords
Coronation - The ceremony where a King or Queen is crowned.
Bank holidays - The name for national public holidays in the UK, Ireland and some other places. Most people do not go to work.
Economy - The way that money flows through a country, which affects wages and the cost of living.
‘Every weekend should be a three-day weekend’
Glossary
Coronation - The ceremony where a King or Queen is crowned.
Bank holidays - The name for national public holidays in the UK, Ireland and some other places. Most people do not go to work.
Economy - The way that money flows through a country, which affects wages and the cost of living.