The newest trend of these Gen Zers complaining about the 40-hour work week

And Evolution of Work and Wealth: A Deep Dive into Economic Shifts

Brahim Siempay
3 min readFeb 12, 2024

In the ever-evolving narrative of economic structures, a recent trend among Gen Z has emerged — a vocal discontent with the traditional 40-hour work week. While discussions often attribute this discontent to the Federal Reserve and inflation, the intricate historical journey reveals a more profound story.

The Henry Ford Paradigm Shift 🚗

The late 1800s set the stage for a seismic change when the standard workweek spanned 60 hours. Enter Henry Ford, a pioneer who not only reduced the workweek to 40 hours but embraced a holistic approach. Ford’s ethos aimed at providing ample time for family and spiritual pursuits. He was not just pro-business; he was profoundly pro-people.

Key Tenets of the Fordian Revolution:

  1. Generous Compensation: Ford paid his workers double the industry average, with additional increments for marital status and the number of dependents.
  2. Moral and Sober Workforce: Bonuses were awarded for maintaining sobriety and embracing a moral lifestyle.
  3. Inclusive Employment: Ford pioneered the employment…

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