Lawmakers including Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Mark Takano introduced the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act last month. The bill would prevent employers from cutting pay or benefits while requiring overtime pay when workers exceed 32 hours per week, rather than the current 40-hour threshold. The change would phase in gradually over several years.
Research from Duke University economists found that an "optimal" workweek is 37 hours. However, a Gallup report shows the average full-time employee in the U.S. worked roughly 43 hours per week in 2024, down slightly from 44.1 hours in 2019.
Under the proposal, employers would decide how to divide the 32 hours and whether employees can work extra hours for pay. Employers would generally have scheduling flexibility but would not allow workers to choose their own hours.
Supporters argue the change reflects how artificial intelligence has increased workplace productivity. Critics worry that higher labor costs for businesses could raise prices for consumers and harm the job market. Some industries that depend on hourly workers or require continuous staffing may need to hire additional employees or pay more overtime to maintain operations.
For workers, the benefit could be more time outside the office without losing weekly earnings, assuming employers maintain existing pay levels. But the financial effects could vary by industry and occupation.