Boston — New laws in Massachusetts would set up a two-year pilot program to research the impacts of a four-day workweek on employees and employers.
Known because the Massachusetts Smart Work Week Pilot, the voluntary program would enable all or some employees in collaborating organizations to transition to a lowered work schedule – with out decreasing employees’ general pay, standing or advantages. Participating employers would agree to common reporting (by way of worker surveys, interviews, financial knowledge and different means) to help within the research. In return, they might qualify for a tax credit score.
The invoice is sponsored by Reps. Josh Cutler (D-Duxbury) and Dylan Fernandes (D-Falmouth).
According to a press launch from Cutler’s workplace, precedence could be given to guarantee qualifying employers “hail from a diverse size, occupation, industry sector and geographical location, and include participation of veteran-, women- and minority-owned businesses and businesses owned by persons with disabilities.” Employers would have to have a minimum of 15 workers to be eligible to take part.
If enacted, the invoice would require the applying course of to start inside one yr. Applicants would have to submit a detailed proposal on establishing and implementing a four-day workweek of their total workforce or in a sure division of the workforce.
After the pilot concluded, two House committees could be tasked with publishing on-line a closing report on the research’s findings.
“In this era of tight labor markets, we need to get creative to keep our economy growing,” stated Cutler, chair of the House Labor and Workforce Development Joint Committee. “This bill creates new incentives for Massachusetts businesses to explore shifting to a four-day workweek, which can offer a myriad of benefits, including boosting worker satisfaction and productivity and reducing absenteeism and commuting time.”
