Would Americans Prefer a 4-Day Work Week?

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Ready for a three-day weekend? Seven in 10 workers feel they could be just as productive in a four-day work week,  according to new research.

Ahead of Labor Day,  a new survey  of 2,000 Americans examining lifestyle factors, attitudes to work and social life balance, found 69% of employed respondents think they could do their job in 32 hours a week.

However, over a quarter (29%) disagreed that this would be the case and three percent declined to vote.

The survey, conducted by  Talker Research, found millennials as the generation most likely to support a four-day work week (75%), with Gen Z slightly less enthused (70%) and Gen X similarly compelled (70%).

For employed boomers, the notion of a four-day work week was notably less supported, with just 48% of those currently working thinking it should be adopted.

If Americans were to get their four-day work week, which is the day they’d like to have off? Friday dominated with 55% of the votes, followed by Monday (24%).

Why are so many dreaming of fewer work days? It may be due to their current work efforts. When those currently employed in the survey (873 respondents) were asked how their work life compares to one year ago, 52% felt they were working harder than last year.

Around a third of employed respondents (35%) said they’re working about the same amount as they were last year, while 13% said their workload has reduced or they’re working less hard.

Unfortunately, four in ten (38%) workers feel they’re currently overworked, compared to the 59% who say that isn’t the case for them.

Close to a fifth (18%) of employed respondents said they’re having to work outside of their expected/contracted hours every day. Forty-one percent work more than their official hours several times a week or more

And, unfortunately, a third of those currently employed (33%) said they will be working on Labor Day this year. Gen Z are most likely (43%) to be working the holiday shift, with the chances of working reducing the older a person is. 

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans;  the survey was administered and conducted online by  Talker Research  between  August 15 and August 21, 2025.