Five-day workweek good for economy

A five-day workweek could contribute to improving the nation's economy, said workers in a survey released by a leading human-resources management company last week.

Recruit, an employment information and job placement agency, polled 657 local workers on what effect, if any, would working five days a week instead of six have on the local economy.

Sixty-nine percent of respondents polled by Recruit said that implementing a five-day workweek could invigorate the economy by buoying sales in such sectors such as retail, leisure and the food and beverage service industries.

Twelve percent of the respondents polled expressed concern that a five-day workweek could lead to "extravagance" due to an increase in spending during more weekend trips.

Ten percent said that working a five-day workweek would have no effect on the economy.

Ninety-six percent of respondents polled expressed support for the government-endorsed five-day workweek.

Cited reasons included, "more leisure time" (43 percent), "increased chances for self-development" (29 percent) and "more family time" (24 percent).