A Washington state legislator has formally introduced a proposal to shift the traditional full-time workweek from 40 hours to 32 hours, effectively creating a four-day workweek for many employees across the state beginning in 2028.

Representative Shaun Scott, a Democrat from Seattle, unveiled House Bill 2611 this week, which would require employers to pay time-and-a-half for any hours worked beyond 32 per week, while preserving current pay and benefits for standard work schedules.

The bill is intended to modernise state labour standards and align Washington’s workplace norms with evolving ideas about productivity, mental health and work-life balance.

Scott argued at a committee hearing that Americans typically work more hours annually than their counterparts in neighbouring countries, suggesting that longer hours do not always equate to greater productivity.

He cited studies from the United Kingdom and South Africa showing productivity increases in contexts where shorter workweeks were implemented, a point supporters say underscores potential economic as well as social benefits.

The proposed legislation has attracted both interest and criticism from lawmakers, with some committee members questioning whether a statewide mandate is necessary when collective bargaining already allows unions to negotiate shorter schedules.

Backers of the bill argue that a 32-hour workweek could improve workforce well-being and reduce burnout, while maintaining competitive business conditions through enhanced employee retention and morale.

Opponents warn that mandating shorter core hours could prompt some employers to relocate out of state, cut services or reduce hiring.

The bill’s introduction reflects broader national discussions about the future of work, including federal proposals to shorten the standard workweek and local experiments, such as San Juan County’s adoption of a 32-hour schedule for public employees, which has shown encouraging results in recruitment and absenteeism.

As the Washington Legislature considers the measure, stakeholders from business and labour sectors are expected to weigh in on the potential impacts ahead of committee deliberations.