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Poll: Majority of Canadians support shorter work week

Fifty-three per cent of respondents support a four-day work week
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(Getty Images)

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in plenty of changes in the workplace, including working from home and virtual meetings. One change Canadians would like to see, however, is a shorter work week.

According to a recent poll from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute, 53 per cent of Canadians say a 30-hour work week would be a “good idea.” Just 22 per cent of respondents feel it would not be beneficial. 

That indicates in shift in attitudes from a 2018 poll, which found that 47 per cent of Canadians supported a four-day work week.

Of note, those who have applied for government assistance, such as the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit, are more likely (58 per cent) to support a 30-hour work week. 

Support is strongest among young Canadians between the ages of 18 and 34, as well as among those with lower incomes. For comparison, 64 per cent of respondents making less than $25,000 per year support the idea, while just 47 per cent of people making more than $150,000 per year are in favour.

The complete report is available on the Angus Reid website.

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