The possible social and economic benefits of implementing a four-day work week will be examined by professionals from a variety of disciplines during the Connecticut Law Review’s Annual Symposium on Oct. 30. The symposium will take place in the William R. Davis Courtroom at the University of Connecticut School of Law, from 8.15 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Benefits of a shortened week could potentially include: reducing unemployment, reducing energy use and costs, reducing commuting times — thereby improving the environment and quality of community life, and improving workplace morale while reducing stress-based injury rates and absenteeism.
This year’s keynote speaker is Joanne Conaghan, a prominent scholar of the University of Kent at Canterbury in the UK. She will lead participants in examining how the modified, or family friendly, work week has been utilized in both the UK and the EU.
Participants will examine different modified work weeks already in place, including reduction/flexibility measures that are being utilized in different sectors both in the U.S. and abroad. Special attention will be paid to the legal methods that may be used to promote working time restrictions, as well as the overall effect such restrictions will have on the work force.
Some believe that other democracies are ahead of the U.S. in developing these modified schedules that promote family and community life.
For more information:
Michelle Helmin (860) 570-5131