The two-day weekend is celebrating its centennial, sparking discussions about the need for a modern work schedule. Grace Tallon, co-founder of Work Time Revolution in Toronto, highlights the significant societal changes since the weekend structure was established a hundred years ago. Back then, only a fraction of women were part of the workforce, contrasting with the prevalent dual-income households today, which she argues are inadequately served by the traditional five-day workweek.
Labor historian Craig Heron explains that in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a six-day workweek with ten-hour days was customary. While Henry Ford is commonly associated with introducing the two-day weekend, the labor movement’s efforts over decades played a crucial role in shaping the workweek reforms we see today. Ford’s transition to a five-day workweek in 1926 marked a significant milestone, later leading to the widespread adoption of the two-day weekend.
The nature of work has evolved significantly since then, with technological advancements blurring the boundaries between personal and work time. David Henkin, a historian at the University of California, Berkeley, notes that working hours decreased until the mid-20th century, only to rise again, impacting the work-life balance and mental well-being of individuals.
The push for a four-day workweek has gained momentum as a response to the challenges posed by the current work structure. Companies like Praxis have successfully implemented this model, allowing employees like Meredith Nebel to better balance work and personal life. Nebel’s experience highlights the benefits of the four-day workweek, including more time for family and personal pursuits.
The concept of the week itself, with its division into work and rest days, is a human construct that may warrant reevaluation. Grace Tallon emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture that respects employees’ time, enabling individuals to disconnect from work outside designated hours. The ongoing discussions around workweek reforms underscore the need for a holistic approach to work-life balance in the modern era.