State lawmakers in Olympia are debating a proposal that would shorten Washington’s standard work week from 40 hours to 32.
The bill is sponsored by Democratic Representative Shaun Scott, who explained to MyNorthwest that Americans work significantly more hours each year than people in other countries. Scott noted that U.S. workers put in 125 more hours annually than workers in Canada, 204 more than those in Japan, 279 more than workers in the United Kingdom, and 470 more than workers in Germany.
Supporters point to a local example already in place. San Juan County adopted a 32-hour work week in 2023. After two years of data, the pilot program is “paying off in more ways than one,” reported the county in December 2025. According to the report, the county was able to stay within its budget throughout 2024 and 2025 without raising current expense taxes or making major cuts to staff or services. The shorter work week also saved nearly $2 million in projected cost-of-living expenses compared to a traditional 40-hour schedule.
Scott hopes this can serve as a model for the rest of the state. “Officials have reported an 18% decrease in sick calls, a 216% increase in people applying for job openings, and an 83% rate of workers who saw improved work-life balance as a result of an eight-hour reduction in the work week,” Scott said about San Juan County’s 32-hour work week.
Ashley Fueston, vice president of the Washington Federation of State Employees, also highlighted the benefits, saying: “Not only did it save [San Juan County] $2 million, without lowering any pay for the workers, but it resulted in significant employee morale boosts, and a 28% reduction in employees leaving.”
Opponents raised doubts about whether the policy would work statewide. Republican Representative Joel McEntire questioned applying a single approach across Washington’s diverse industries and work environments, saying: “I’m just wondering why this is a one-size-fits-all policy. Why do we think this would work for the whole state when we have such a variety of different industries and working personalities?”
Another expressed concern for hourly employee’s paychecks. Republican Representative Alex Ybarra warned that hourly workers could see smaller paychecks, saying: “If you’re an hourly employee, and you’re only going to be working 32 hours, you’ll make a lot less money because you’re getting paid, say $20 an hour for 40 hours. If this passes, you’re going to be working 32 hours for $20 an hour.”
If the proposal is brought to a vote and passes, Washington’s new 32-hour work week would take effect in January 2028.