18

THE FIVE-DAY WEEK

tion. Thus, several companies pointed to the real advantage
of a reserve of possible working hours on Saturdays in case
of emergencies. While averse to such overtime as a regular
arrangement, the possibility of making their working schedule
 more elastic when necessary gives them confidence that
they can meet whatever situations may arise.
“Employees with more time to buy things work harder
for money to buy with, and also seem to strive more toward
education, comforts, etc.,” is the experience reported by a
textile finishing company. This statement tends to bear out
the sociological argument that greater leisure stimulates the
cultivation of the means that make possible its greater enjoyment.
 But while some employers think that employees are
spending more as a result of the free day, others believe that
they are saving more. A textile manufacturing company
that introduced the five-day week in 1921 reports:

“Deposits in savings fund managed jointly by employees and company
 have shown steady increase from year to year, amounting at
present to approximately $275 per depositor with an average of about
609%, of employees participating.”

The effect of a longer period of leisure and relaxation each
week upon working efficiency was pointed out by several
employers, although others could see no change. Typical of
the remarks of those who noted a difference are the two
following quotations:

“Efficient working pitch better maintained by concentration into
fewer days, with proper rest intervals to relieve any strain of longer
daily hours when nature of work makes this desirable. Reduced need
for days off or lengthy vacation periods.”
“Greater relaxation over the week-end gives added pep to week’s
work.”

Undoubtedly, the most novel and distinctive adaptation
of the five-day schedule is reported by a manufacturer of
aircraft instruments and equipment:

“One of the outstanding advantages results from the fact that we
shift the working days in any week where a holiday falls on a Tuesday
or Thursday, transferring the work day from Monday or Friday to