Long Weekends May Be Closer Than We Think—Americans Believe They Can Do More With Less Time
As Labor Day approaches, a new nationwide survey reveals a major shift in how Americans view the workweek. A growing number of workers believe they could maintain their current productivity while working one less day—reigniting the conversation around the traditional 40-hour work week.
According to a recent Talker Research survey of 2,000 U.S. adults, 69% of employed respondents said they could complete their job responsibilities in just four days (32 hours). Only 29% disagreed, with 3% undecided. The results suggest that the once-idealized five-day workweek may no longer match how modern workers define productivity.
Younger Generations Push for Change
The survey results show a clear generational divide. Millennials led support for a four-day work week, with 75% saying they could do their jobs in fewer hours, followed closely by Gen Z and Gen X at 70% each. In contrast, only 48% of working Baby Boomers felt the same.
These differences highlight shifting attitudes toward work culture. Younger generations—who are increasingly filling leadership roles—place a greater emphasis on work-life balance, efficiency, and mental well-being, while older generations often reflect values shaped by more traditional workplace norms.
When asked which day they'd prefer off, 55% of workers said Friday, compared to 24% who would rather skip Monday—showing a clear preference for extending the weekend rather than shortening the beginning of the week.
Overwork Is on the Rise
The growing interest in a four-day week comes amid rising workloads. Over half of employed respondents (52%) say they’re working harder now than they were a year ago. Another 35% report no change, while just 13% say their workload has decreased.
Overtime is also widespread:
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18% of workers say they work extra hours every day
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41% put in overtime multiple times per week
With many employees already working beyond their official hours, the argument for condensing the workweek is gaining traction. Workers feel stretched thin—and believe there's a better way to manage time and productivity.
Even Labor Day—a holiday meant to honor the American workforce—isn’t off-limits. One in three employed people (33%) say they’ll be working this Labor Day, with younger employees more likely to work the holiday. 43% of Gen Z workers will be on the job, compared to fewer in older age groups, revealing how workplace seniority still impacts who gets time off.
A Turning Point in Workplace Culture?
The belief that productivity can be maintained in fewer hours raises important questions about workplace efficiency and structure. If the majority of workers say they can get the job done in four days, are businesses making the most of the current five-day model?
As Millennials and Gen Z continue to shape the future of work, companies may need to adjust policies to stay competitive. For employers, a four-day week could become a key offering in attracting and retaining top talent—especially amid rising burnout and changing employee expectations.
In fact, several organizations globally have already adopted four-day work week trials, and the early results show promising improvements in productivity, job satisfaction, and mental health.
About the Survey
The Talker Research survey was conducted online from August 15–21, 2025, using a combination of traditional online panels and programmatic sampling. All participants were U.S. residents with internet access.
Quality control measures were put in place to ensure accuracy, such as filtering out bot responses, duplicate entries, and submissions completed too quickly. Only groups with at least 80 respondents were included in the breakdowns, and findings are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level.
Bottom line: The four-day work week is no longer just a dream for overworked Americans. It's a growing expectation—especially among younger generations—challenging companies to rethink how, when, and why we work.