Write for an Academic Discussion

A professor has posted a question about a topic and students have responded with their thoughts and ideas. Make a contribution to the discussion.
You will have 10 minutes to write.

Your professor is teaching a class on psychology.

In your response, you should do the following.

• • Express and support your opinion.
• • Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.

An effective response will contain at least 100 words.

Professor’s question:

Today we are discussing the concept of a "four-day workweek," where employees would work four, longer days instead of five shorter ones, for the same pay. Advocates claim this model improves employee well-being and productivity by giving them a three-day weekend to rest. However, critics argue that longer workdays could lead to increased stress and burnout during the week. Which argument do you find more convincing? Why?

Student response 1:

I find the argument for a four-day workweek more convincing. That extra day off would give people more time for family, hobbies, and appointments, which would significantly reduce overall stress. Because employees would return to work more rested and motivated, their productivity during their four working days would likely increase.

Student response 2:

I think the critics have a stronger point. Working ten-hour days instead of eight-hour days can be mentally and physically exhausting. For parents with young children, such a long workday could create major childcare challenges. Therefore, the stress from the longer days might cancel out the benefit of an extra day off.