One-Third Of American Companies Exploring 4-Day Workweek

Everybody loves a three-day weekend. Could that become normal for American workers? A significant number of companies in the United States may consider making them permanent as they look to shorten the workweek to avoid employee burnout.

A recent survey of CEOs conducted by KPMG shows that one-third of American companies are exploring plans to shift from a five-day, 40-hour workweek to one that is just four days long.

The CEOs are trying to combat burnout while also trying to convince employees to give up remote work and return to the office.

"We are all working to figure out what is optimal, and we will continue to experiment and pivot," Paul Knopp, chair and CEO of KPMG US, told CNN.

CNN pointed to the results of a Gallup poll that found 77% of workers said that a four-day, 40-hour workweek would have a positive impact on their well-being.

While there are several studies that highlight the benefits of a shorter workweek, Knopp said that workers shouldn't get their hopes up that a four-day workweek will become standard anytime soon.

"It's way too early to declare the four-day workweek part of the future. It's still in the experimentation phase," Knopp said.

"My guess is a widespread four-day workweek could be years away – if ever," he added. "You'll see companies quietly experimenting with it, but I don't personally foresee widespread adoption in the next couple of years."