I am a Senior Service Desk Analyst at Conestoga College. Our work hours have extended from 8am-6pm to 8am-8pm now and include Saturdays. The traditional "9-5" work model is no longer feasible for us and many others across the college as they also extend their hours.

In the early 1900's it was common to work 10-14 hours a day, 6 or 7 days a week. In 1926 Henry Ford mandated the 8 hour, five day work week and in 1940 it became the standard practice.

The current five-day work week is not only outdated but also detrimental to our mental and physical health. Studies show that long working hours can lead to increased stress levels, decreased productivity, and higher rates of burnout. Furthermore, a country wide 6 month test in the UK, consisting of over 60 companies and 3000 employees, found that a four day compressed work week resulted in 40% higher productivity, 71% lower levels of burnout[1][2], and 25% fewer sick days[3].

It's time we break away from the traditional five-day work week model. A four-day work week would provide employees with more time for personal activities, leading to better mental health and overall job satisfaction, and surprisingly a 27% drop in CO2 emissions[2].

Four day compressed work weeks have already started in Ontario. The Township of Algonquin Highlands has moved to a four day work week and reported the extended hours being beneficial as they can service the public easier[4].

This is not trying to force everyone to have the four day compressed work week. If you are better served with the standard five day work this option should still be available to you.. This petition is about allowing for more flexibility within departments of the school, especially for those with extended hours. Switching to a four day compressed work week is even laid out in Article 6.1.5 of the collective agreement. The issue is the wording makes it so managers must propose the idea of the compressed work week rather than the employee going to the manager.

We are calling on the managers, chairs, directors, and above to consider implementing a four-day work week across all departments. This change will not only benefit employees but also increase productivity within workplaces.

Please sign this petition if you believe in creating a healthier balance between our professional lives and personal well-being.

[1] https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20230319-four-day-workweek-trial-the-firms-where-it-didnt-work

[2] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/10/surprising-benefits-four-day-week/

[3] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/four-day-work-week-north-america-study-1.6921359

[4] https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/rural-municipalities-in-canada-lead-the-way-in-4-day-work-weeks-to-combat-high-turnover-rates-1.6304194