The idea of a three-day work week may look ridiculous at first mention. But bear with me and listen to the arguments before throwing it out, if they still feel like doing so.
It is some sadist’s idea that people should be imprisoned form 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for at least six days a week. Eight hours a day for six days in a week so that work can be got done. By sheer habit we follow this without questioning the ethics and efficiency of the cruel system.
By switching to a three-day week, you immediately increase job opportunities. In the system proposed, half the working population will be working from Monday to Wednesday and the other half from Thursday to Saturday, leaving a common holiday for all on Sunday.
Since schools and colleges also will adopt the same system, it will double the number of admissions to them. In a country like ours, with significant levels of illiteracy, this will greatly improve the educational standards of a large number of people – particularly those of women and the underprivileged. Moreover, when the three-day week comes into vogue, one can have a life-long education during his leisure days.
In congested cities, peak-hour traffic will become much more comfortable for only half the population will be travelling at peak time. Today I pity the traffic constable who inhales all the exhaust from cars and trucks all six days of a week.
The most important aspect of the three-day week is that the social and cultural life of people will receive a tremendous boost. Men and women will be more vigorous and relaxed to enjoy the pleasures of life. When a three-day week becomes commonplace, you will find a pleasant bus conductor, a less rash and negligent driver, and a more obliging booking clerk.
One may wonder whether national productivity as a whole will come down as a result of this measure. On the contrary, it will increase, because men and women will have four days of free time to do whatever they like in a constructive way. They can utilise their talents in a more pleasant way to create things and thereby earn more. This can give an impetus to small home-based industries also. Further, people will be healthier
both physically and mentally, resulting in the reduction of medical expenses. A significant advance in the field of sport and athletics can also be expected.
When the three-day week catches on, people could disperse from the cities and towns and live in the extended suburbs. They could visit the city, say on Monday morning (or Thursday) and leave by Wednesday (or Saturday) evening, and may stay for two nights in a modest hotel.
A three-day week would give immense opportunities to raise educational and scientific standards so that the benefits of science and technology and other social methods could be absorbed by a large section of the people.
Summing up, work by itself is not important — it is the work done with pleasure that matters. The system today has created a large number of slaves and slave-drivers, a majority of whom look upon work as but a necessary evil.
The system of a six-day week makes men and women machines bereft of human emotions; it is even worse than bonded labour. It makes them cynical misanthropes.
A three-day week could eliminate unemployment; there will be more employment opportunities for women, and illiteracy will be wiped out in a year or two. The younger people can study and work simultaneously while elders can take additional responsibilities. Children will get more time to play and learn. Work will become more efficient and pleasurable, and people healthier and happier. There will be more time for hobbies. Productivity in general will increase. There will be less traffic congestion and cities will be decongested.
I will rephrase my earlier question: What is the purpose of life? To work. or to enjoy?
drrvsv@yahoo.com
