State Rep. Shirley Arriaga
Reminder Publishing file photo
CHICOPEE — State Rep. Shirley Arriaga is looking to implement a four-day work week in Massachusetts that will initially take place in the form of a pilot program.
The bill, currently referred to as H.2065, will establish the Massachusetts Smart Work Week Pilot Program. This program will provide businesses with guidance on implementing a four-day work week and tax incentives to encourage participation.
Bill H.2065 ensures that the pilot program will run for a minimum of two years, collecting interviews, surveys and financial data from participating businesses to determine whether or not the program is successful.
Arriaga stated why she is helping work on this bill and said, “We’re doing this because the families in Massachusetts, the families in this country, have so much on their plate. We’re working more than we’re living, and this bill is going to address that.”
The four-day work week has been linked to positive impacts on mental health, quality of work and business operations. Several other countries have already implemented this system, such as Australia, Sweden, South Africa and Brazil.
Arriaga talked about more of the benefits of a four-day work week for workers and said, “We hope to see an influx in productivity within the work environment, as it would reduce professional burnout. It also gives workers an additional day for medical appointments, caring for loved ones, attending family events, or even pursuing a second job. In turn, it creates a more well-rounded individual who is not only more productive and creative, but also less likely to experience mental and physical health issues.”
Besides benefiting the workers, the Chicopee Democrat said the businesses can benefit from this bill because “businesses would benefit from their employees taking fewer days off for appointments, and this bill was crafted to truly serve both businesses and workers by increasing productivity across the commonwealth. Additionally, businesses will see lower operational costs, higher staff retention, reduced burnout and an overall increase in productivity. Ultimately, it would create a healthier workforce that’s more loyal and willing to stay.”
Bill H.2065 was heard by the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development on June 10, with recommendations from the committee to be released on July 12.
Arriaga discussed the potential timeline with the bill and when it could be implemented if passed. She said within one year of the bill’s enactment, the executive office will begin accepting applications from employers who wish to participate.
“They’ll carefully select a diverse range of businesses, including those owned by women, veterans and individuals with disabilities,” Arriaga said.
These businesses will enter into agreements to implement the four-day work week without reducing employees’ pay or benefits. The executive office will continuously gather data through surveys, interviews and economic analysis at the start, midpoint and end of the two-year pilot.
Employees will have the option to opt out, ensuring the process is flexible and inclusive.
If approved, this pilot program doesn’t automatically switch every business to a four-day work week, but it offers an opportunity for businesses that choose to join the pilot for at least three years.
Arriaga said businesses who choose to join the program will receive tax subsidies to ensure they don’t face increased operational costs or funding losses.
“The goal is to gather U.S.-based data and demonstrate that this model truly works, rather than relying solely on examples from other countries. It’s not mandatory for everyone, but my hope is that we’ll all eventually adopt this more modern and smart approach to our workday,” Arriaga explained.
Arriaga urges anyone who supports this bill to contact their representatives to encourage them to co-sponsor.
Arriaga concluded, “This legislation will serve as an example of what we can look forward to. It’s time to modernize our workday structures and ensure our working families have better opportunities to be present, earn a livable income, and remain healthy, sane and happy. After all, our job is to ensure everyone here has the best opportunities and tools at their disposal, and that’s exactly what this bill is aiming to provide — a more balanced approach for all.”
Readers can contact Arriaga’s office with any questions at 617-722-2305 or Shirley.Arriaga@mahouse.gov.
