Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) proposed legislation in the Senate that would establish a 32-hour workweek with no loss in pay, echoing a proposal not seriously considered since 1955. 

Advocates like Andrew Barnes of 4 Day Week Global highlight the productivity and well-being benefits of a shortened workweek, citing trials where companies saw revenue increase and employees enjoyed better work-life balance. 

Despite these advantages, some experts caution that a universal shift to a four-day workweek could disrupt routines and disadvantage certain workers, such as older employees who may struggle with condensed workloads.

Critics also worry about potential economic downsides, including inflation and layoffs. The historical establishment of the 40-hour workweek in the U.S., dating back over 80 years, was a response to excessive work hours during the Industrial Revolution and subsequent labor movements advocating for better conditions. 

According to the International Labor Organization, as some countries experiment with or have already implemented shorter workweeks, the U.S. finds itself in the middle in terms of weekly work hours when compared globally. Countries like France, Belgium, and Iceland have explored workweeks ranging from around 35 to fewer than 40 hours, contrasting sharply with nations where workweeks exceed 48 hours. 

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen if the U.S. will join the ranks of countries reducing work hours, with significant hurdles to overcome in Congress and among the public.