Home Depot Founder Slams Bernie Sanders’ 32-Hour Workweek Idea

Ken Langone, who cofounded Home Depot, has called the senator’s plan hypocritical, stating Sanders is out to take money from those who simply have more. 

Essentially, Sanders’ bill would give Americans who work traditional eight-hour work days, Monday to Friday, an extra day off without reducing their pay or benefits.

Studies show that a 32-hour workweek could significantly increase productivity and employee satisfaction. Yet, not everyone agrees with Sanders’ proposed bill.

Langone appeared outraged by Sanders’ plan, calling it hypocrisy before saying that the lifelong Democrat is pursuing people who have made more money than others.

“We have 3,000 kids that started out pushing carts in the lot — today, they’re multimillionaires. They’re the guys that Bernie Sanders wants to go after,” he said.

“A 32-hour workweek raises labor costs directly 20%. Why? Because the eight hours they’re not working, you’ve got to hire somebody else. You’re not going to squeeze 40 hours into 32 hours. That’s slave labor if you do that,” said Langone. 

“Who always pays for it at the end? The consumer,” he said.

Langone added that the far-left policies, such as those proposed by Sanders, would destroy any chance of future Americans starting a business like Home Depot. 

“These are the people that get punished. Inflation is the most regressive tax of all, and people don’t seem to understand this 32-hour workweek — the costs have to be passed on, or the businesses that absorb those costs will no longer be attractive for investment because they won’t be.”

“If you told me that they were going to raise my taxes, and then we’re going to take the proceeds of that tax increase and pay down the national debt — give it to me, baby. I’ll take that every time,” he said. 

“My problem is what they do with the tax money they get. Pardon me — they piss it away,” said Langone.

Many politicians have suggested it is unlikely the bill will gain any real traction in the Senate.

Germany’s “Kurzarbeit” system reduces work hours during economic downturns while maintaining employment. These examples illustrate how shorter workweeks can benefit both businesses and workers without sacrificing economic stability.

Norway’s approach includes flexible working hours and generous vacation policies, contributing to high living standards and a robust economy. These Scandinavian models demonstrate the viability of reduced work hours.

Critics argue about its economic impact, but many French workers report increased job satisfaction and better work-life balance, highlighting the mixed but largely positive outcomes of such policies.

Initiatives like “Premium Friday,” which allowed workers to leave early once a month, aimed to promote a healthier work-life balance, showing Japan’s potential shift towards reducing excessive work hours. However, it didn’t quite take as expected.

These changes aim to enhance quality of life and boost productivity, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for better work-life balance in high-intensity work cultures.

As more nations consider workweek reductions, the global workforce may see a shift towards prioritizing employee well-being and sustainable productivity, reshaping the future of work worldwide.

This shift not only supports a shorter workweek but also enhances job satisfaction by reducing the more mundane tasks, illustrating technology’s role in future work models.

This flexibility supports shorter workweeks by enabling more efficient use of time and reducing commuting stress, highlighting how technology fosters a more adaptable and productive workforce.

Companies investing in employee development will benefit from a more versatile and competent workforce. This focus on continuous learning aligns with shorter workweeks by promoting efficient, technology-driven productivity and job satisfaction.

Studies show that reduced work hours lead to lower anxiety and depression rates, emphasizing the mental health benefits of a more balanced work schedule.

Companies adopting shorter workweeks often see reduced turnover and higher employee morale, highlighting the holistic benefits of a balanced lifestyle.

Employees report fewer health issues, such as back pain and eye strain, leading to lower healthcare costs and a healthier, more energetic workforce.