Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary blasts the 4-day week as the ‘stupidest idea’ because the digital economy means we’re always working

Millionaire Shark Tankjudge Kevin O’Leary isn’t a fan of the shift to a four-day workweek, laughing off the idea in a Fox News appearance. Instead, he said in today’s modern workplace, everything is project-based, and tasks need to be completed by their deadline: “There’s no such thing as a workweek anymore.” If you have dreams of never working Fridays again, you may want to lower your expectations—at least if you work for Mr. Wonderful. Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary, who’s known for his blunt communication style, was asked about a growing trend among workers for a four-day workweek. It’s something that France, in particular, is exploring, on top of already capping work at 35 hours. “That’s the stupidest idea I have ever heard,” O’Leary told Fox News. “I think we should let the French go to a two-day workweek and then kick their ass internationally.” At the same time, the 71-year-old acknowledged that the traditional 9-to-5, five days a week work schedule is not what it used to be. In fact, with 40% of his staff working remotely around the world, he admitted he doesn’t care when his staff does their work—as long as it gets done on time. “There’s no such thing as a workweek anymore anyway on a digital economy, post-pandemic,” he added. The turning tide on a 4-day workweek For workers, a four-day workweek is more than just about having a longer weekend; it’s about providing extra flexibility and work–life balance, while also minimizing burnout. In fact, some 77% of workers say a four-day workweek, even if it still means working 40 hours, would have a favorable impact on their wellbeing, according to a 2023 survey by Gallup. At Exos, a performance coaching company with over 3,500 employees, a four-day workweek was implemented, and the results were largely positive. Teams were allowed to take one day as a “You Do You” day, and productivity increased by some 24%. Burnout was cut in half. Other business leaders have started paying attention, too. About 30% of