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There can be a lot of stigma around working reduced hours, but Amazon.com is hoping a scheme experimenting with a four-day week can rectify some of that.
Just a few dozen workers will take part in the programme at first, working 30 hours a week – 10am until 2pm, Monday to Thursday, with additional flexible hours. The employees will receive 75% of a full-time salary, and the same benefits as traditional 40-hour workers, according to the Washington Post.
“We want to create a work environment that is tailored to a reduced schedule and still fosters success and career growth,” a post on Eventbrite for an informational seminar says.
“This initiative was created with Amazon’s diverse workforce in mind and the realisation that the traditional full-time schedule may not be a ‘one size fits all’ model.”
Amazon has no plans to extend the scheme to its entire workforce, a spokesman said, but the programme differs to other part-time employees currently working with the company because entire teams will take part.
The teams taking part will work on projects in human resources.
If the company sees good results from the trial, it could usher in similar changes at other companies.
