Part 5/12:
Implementing a four-day week could inadvertently lead to increased costs for businesses that operate on weekends. Companies might need to pay extra to cover staff working on weekends or shift work to other days, potentially eroding any savings or productivity gains. This could strain small businesses that already operate on thin margins, making the idea less practical than it appears.
Furthermore, shorter workweeks could push employees to work longer or less flexible hours during the remaining days, or increase the burden on those working in industries requiring continuous operations. The union movement's push may inadvertently complicate the working arrangements for those on weekends, which could offset the purported benefits.