A bill has been introduced in Maryland that would provide a financial incentive to companies attempting a four-day work week – likely the first bill of its kind in the US. according to CNN.
Participating companies would receive a tax credit on state income taxes in exchange for sharing research with the state.
“The pandemic has taught us that how we view work is not set in stone, but that it is something that we as citizens can control,” Vaughn Stewart, a Maryland state representative who serves in the United States House of Representatives, said in a statement. CNN.
The four-day work week is gaining popularity steam around the world. Seventy-three companies in the UK tested a four-day model (where employees were paid for five days’ work). Out of 41 companies that responded to a survey of how their teams fared under the new system, 39 said productivity had increased or remained the same.
“The four-day trial week has been extremely successful for us so far,” said Claire Daniels, CEO of Trio Media, a company that took part in the UK trial.
“Productivity has remained high, with an increase in team well-being, while our company has performed 44% better financially,” she added.
Related: A 4-Day Workweek Could Be A Reality In The US, Study Reveals — Here’s What Could Move The Needle
This is reported by a non-profit organization 4-day week worldwide, which has advocated for the model worldwide, similar trials have taken place in countries such as Canada, New Zealand and Ireland. Twenty eight enterprises in South Africa and one in Botswana are also trialling a pilot.
The Maryland legislator also told CNN that the bill was inspired by a specific Trial period of 4 days a week related to companies primarily based in the US and Ireland. In a survey on the trial, the companies overwhelmingly praised the four-day work week, with all 27 who responded to the question (out of 33 total) saying they had no intention or inclination to return to work five days a week .
According to the legal text companies can apply for the program, provided they have at least 30 employees, they did not plan to try the four-day work week in advance, and agreed to allow the Department of Labor to conduct research and interview employees. keep it.
In order to participate, employers may not reduce wages or benefits, the text of the bill states. The Maryland Department of Labor can provide this tax credit through various mechanisms of its choosing, but it cannot exceed $750,000 in total in any fiscal year.
The bill will be heard on February 14.
