Amazon's 30-Hour Work Week Program A Glimpse Of The Future?

Famed economist John Maynard Keynes predicted nearly 100 years ago that at some point in the future, the economy would be so productive to the point where people will simply work less hours.

Keynes, in an essay titled "Economic Prospects for our Grandchildren," also suggested a typical work week would consist of just 15 hours of actual work.

Bankers, lawyers and many other professionals may be scratching their head wondering if Keynes' prediction will ever come true. On the other hand, employees at Amazon.com, Inc. AMZN are substantially closer to the 15-hour work week.

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According to The Washington Post, Amazon will launch a program in which salaried employees will work 30 hours, but receive the same benefits as employees that put in an extra 10 hours a week.

The pilot project will consist of entire teams (including managers) that work on technology products within the human resources division of the company.

The 30-hour work week will start at 10 a.m. and end at 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday with additional flex hours.

The Washington Post (owned by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos) noted the company declined to comment if the new initiative has any relation to a New York Times report which blasted the company's "harsh" working conditions.