You may be dreaming of a four-day workweek every Friday that comes around. There are verifiable downsides to the idea, specifically with high inflation and a tight labor market. But, according to a ResumeBuilder.com survey, 80 percent of full-time workers favor a four-day workweek over the traditional five-day week. Many supporters—a whopping 21 percent—claim they would even take a pay cut if they were offered a four-day workweek. So, what does that do to the current overtime system?
The allure is simple. More you-time. Wouldn’t you like to spend more quality time with your family and friends? Or learn to paint, cook, speak Spanish fluently, or spend the day in bed with a few good books? Supporters tout a better work-life balance. But just when are you working overtime? Should it be provided for in a new four-day work week? Does the current system need to be scrapped and rethought?
Are We Close to Implementing a Four-Day Work Week?
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont introduced a bill to implement a four-day work week, called the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act, earlier this year. He says that American workers are 400 percent more productive than workers in the 1940s. However, broad statements are a concern, especially for Anderson School of Management economics professor Subramanian Iyer, who reminds everyone that these opinions are based on anecdotal case studies over a short time span and are still opinions, and serious and widespread studies are missing from this long-debated issue.
However, 4-Day Week Global, a nonprofit in favor of the change since 2019, reports that almost 200 companies have signed on to support the initiative in the past year.
Forbes reports that a recent U.K. study over six months found that 71 percent of workers felt less burnout with a four-day work week, fewer employees quit or took sick days, and company income increased an average of 1.4 percent.
What About Overtime?
The Sanders Workweek Act would compel employers to pay overtime after employees work eight hours in a workday, which is already in effect under California Wage and Hour laws. His initiative reduces the 40-hour week to 32. But some companies have experimented with and been successful with employees working four 10-hour days. This is also controversial for increasing the amount of burnout employees might feel.
Overtime Under the Fair Labor Standards Act
Currently, non-exempt employees, whether earning an hourly wage, a salary or paid a day-rate, are entitled to time and half overtime pay if they work more than 40 hours in a week, although some state laws differ. Certain salaried employees are exempt from the overtime rules because they work as executives, in administrative posts, or as professionals, outside sales and some computer positions. Currently, salaried workers must be paid overtime if they earn less than $844 per week and on January 1, 2025, they must be paid overtime if they earn less than $1,128 per week, regardless of their job duties.
A Four-Day Work Week Does Not Negate Overtime Pay
You may already work a four-day workweek if you are in healthcare, but more changes are probably coming as employees embrace the idea of having a more balanced work-life balance. You just want to be aware of any changes to overtime laws if Sen. Sanders’ bill is passed or if the FLSA is revised. Currently, under the FLSA, if you work more than 40 hours in a week, you are entitled to time and a half pay if you are not an exempt employee. Certain states, like California, provide workers greater rights that include daily overtime.
Our unpaid wages lawyers understand state and federal laws concerning overtime you may be entitled to, depending on where you live. If you are already working a four-day week, or still working a five-day week, but are putting in more than 40 hours, use our online chat or fill out our confidential online form, and we will review your situation and answer your questions regarding whether you are owed overtime.
