A new study by Angus Reid suggests more than half of all Canadians think shortening the work week to four days is a good idea.
Respondents were asked what they thought of a 30-hour work week or four ten-hour days on the job by the independent research firm. The study said 53 per cent of all respondents thought it was a "good idea."
The results suggest a six-point increase in support from two years ago, and the firm speculates the pandemic may have influenced respondents' opinions.
The idea has even more robust support among those who took advantage of federal government aid programs during the pandemic, including the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. Among those participants, 58 per cent supported it.
Support is highest among households at the lowest income bracket, about 64 per cent, and lowest among families that make over $150,000. Among those participants, 47 per cent supported a four-day work week.
The idea runs into its greatest opposition among Conservative voters. Only 40 per cent supported the plan.
Talk of making a four-day work week the standard in Canada gained steam after New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern publicly supported it. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has not ruled it out as one of the tools that could strengthen the economy post-COVID-19.
In Ontario, 53 per cent liked the idea, 22 per cent opposed it, and 25 per cent were not sure what to make of it.
Critics cited the need to distinguish between full-time workers and other employees, and concerns about ensuring sufficient income for those who work part-time, at minimum wage, contract workers, and professionals who frequently work overtime.