Comment by tines | Hacker News Reader

Comment by tines | Hacker News Reader

For things like this (whether they "approved" it or are just investigating it or whatever), how does the ability of the government to legislate and regulate intersect with the rights of people to do as they please?

For example, if I make and sell widgets (i.e. I own a "company" of one), and I wanna work 6 days a week, can the government prevent me from doing that? If someone wants to work with me (i.e. join my "company") and I don't want them to (i.e. I won't hire them) if they're not also working 6 days a week like I am, can the government prevent me from refusing them?

I guess I'm asking why a city council is investigating this rather than companies themselves. Or rather than regulating, are they going to offer tax breaks to incentivize companies to adopt a four-day workweek? I'm just confused about what interest they have in doing this.

Disclaimer: I'm a fucking idiot and I have no idea what I'm talking about, just asking questions because I'm clueless.

The city council approved a trial for Glasgow city council workers - they approved it for themselves - they don't have control over anyone else.

As others have pointed out - it’s the city of Glasgow trialing this work week.

That said, in most (all?) countries, workplace is a regulated relationship. That means there are labor laws and you as an employer of others have to follow them. Even as an employer of self, some laws still apply. In some places you cannot require 6 days a week, in others you can but must pay overtime. As a society we agree on certain concessions with our rights in order to protect others. If you don’t like the concessions a given society has made, look for one that meets your values better.

> are they going to offer tax breaks to incentivize companies to adopt a four-day workweek?

I'm going to assume you're asking if they'll offset any losses that occur as a result of employees only being 80% as productive.

You may be surprised to discover that studies overwhelmingly demonstrate that productivity is higher across 4 days than across 5 days. That's right, higher output in less time, all thanks to employees being better rested and coming to work in a better mental state.

British Councils aren't like US States if that's what you're thinking - they're just local administrative systems. They manage your trash collection - they aren't legislating or regulating anything to anyone.

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