BILLIONAIRE Bill Gates raised eyebrows when he suggested that a two-day work week could become the norm in the next decade – but the idea has actually proved divisive.

Some age groups strongly oppose the idea, while others welcome the thought of spending the majority of their week out of the office.

A survey conducted for The U.S. Sun revealed only 22% believe a two-day work week will be a reality in their lifetime.

Only 7% agree with Gates in that it would become a reality within the next decade.

But, 11% believe that a 2-day work week will become the norm within a few years.

More broadly, 55% of Americans surveyed warm to the idea of a two-day work week.

Almost three in four millennials, those born between 1981 and 1996, are interested in the idea.

There is support within the Generation X demographic, 65%, but Baby Boomers are less likely to back the idea.

Only 44% of baby boomers would be in favor of a five-day weekend.

And, 16% of baby boomers who back the idea say it’s because they don’t enjoy working, or their job. 

The data revealed that millennials would even be willing to take a pay cut of 34% in support of a two-day work week.

Baby boomers, by comparison, would only be willing to lose around 15% of their pay.

CRUNCHING THE NUMBERS

The survey revealed that women are more willing than men to take a pay cut.

And, the idea of a pay cut is welcomed by most in the Southeast.

Those who would prefer to have a five day weekend would use the time to spend it with their family and friends. 

While, 34% say they would spend the time pursuing their hobbies and passions.

Of those who back the idea of a two-day work week, more people in the West would prefer to use the time pursuing hobbies, than spending it with family and friends by a margin of 49% to 44%.

The idea of cutting the working week has sparked great debate in the Western world.

Our survey revealed that the most preferred option is a 4-day working week and a three-day weekend.

Over half of baby boomers surveyed are supportive of a four-day work week.

But, more than one in half of those surveyed back the traditional five day working week.

TRIMMING THE WORK WEEK

Gates touted the idea during an appearance on Jimmy Fallon in February, focusing on how artificial intelligence could change the working landscape.

“What will jobs be like?” he asked the late night host.

“Should we, you know, just work like two or three days a week?

“I love the way it’ll drive innovation forward, but I think it’s a little bit unknown.”

In 2023, Gates previously touted the idea of a three-day working week, per Fortune.

But, CEOs of businesses have explained how cutting their workweek avoided cuts.

Aman Mann, of Procurify, put the idea of a four-day week to his staffers.

“It was a pretty unanimous ‘yes’ across the board,” he told CNBC.

He revealed that only one staffer decided to quit.

Meanwhile, Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JPMorgan Chase, predicted Americans may only work three-and-a-half days in the future.

“Technology has always replaced jobs,” he told Bloomberg last November.

“Your children are going to live to 100 and not have cancer because of technology, and literally they’ll probably be working three and a half days a week.”