IBS Lunchtime Research Seminar - The Macroeconomics of the Four-Day Week

You are cordially invited to attend an International Business and Strategy Departmental Research Meeting, during which there will be a presentation by Pedro Gomes, Birbeck University of London. A reminder that attendance for IBS (full time, research oriented) staff and full-time students is compulsory, and where possible, must be in person. Individuals unable to attend in person, due to legitimate reasons will be provided a Teams link on request. Non-IBS staff are welcome to attend. If you have not received the email invite please email Angie Clark

Please join us in Room 108, Henley Business School.

Please make sure you let me know in advance if you intend to attend in person so that the correct amount of catering is booked.

Date: Wednesday 15th October 2025, HBS Room 108

Time: 13.00 - 14.30

Abstract:

Despite the growing global traction of the four-day week - evidenced by an increasing number of company trials and advocacy from political and trade-union initiatives - mainstream economics has been slow to explore its broader implications. Many economists argue that reducing working hours would scale down the economy, echoing concerns from a century ago during the transition from a six-day to a five-day week. However, this view is not universal. Paul Samuelson, the 1970 Nobel laureate and a foundational figure in modern economics, called the four-day week a “momentous social invention.”

In this lecture, Prof. Pedro Gomes will reflect on the four-day week from an economic perspective, the historical transition from six- to a five-day week, and how a shorter working week could impact work, the economy, and society.