Summarise the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they cast doubt on specific points made in the reading passage.

Summarise the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they cast doubt on specific points made in the reading passage.

The reading passage holds the view that the policy requiring companies to offer their employees the option of working a four-day workweek for four-fifths of their normal pay would benefit the company, the whole country and the employees who decide to take the option. But the lecture thinks the 3 points in the reading passage are all unconvincing. It contradicts the reading passage as follows.

First of all, although hiring more staff can ensure that the same amount of work would be done, it will cost more, actually. Because hiring more workers means spending a lot more on staff training and medical benefits. Also, it needs more office space and more computers. All of these things will cut company profits.

Second, for the whole country’s economic condition, the unemployment rates won’t be cut down as well. The reason is that because of lower benefits brought by hiring more workers, clever companies are more likely to choose not hiring more workers. What will they choose is to let their original staff work over time or raise expections, which means that they will expect their workers to accomplish same amount of work in a shortened time.

Last but not least, the lives of employees who decide to take the option cannot be improved because if they choose to work 4 dyas a week, they will be less competitive in their career. Bosses would like to promote those who can work 5 days a week to management positions. What’s more, if there is a economic crisis, those who work 4 days a week have larger possibility to lose their job. This situation lowers the happiness of individuals.