Ford's 40-Hour Workweek Adoption | May 1

Ford's 40-Hour Workweek Adoption | May 1

From Michigan Minute by WKAR Public Media

May 1, 2026 · 1 min · Season 1 · Episode 1520

About this episode

The episode discusses the Ford Motor Company's adoption of a five-day, 40-hour workweek in 1926 and its impact on employee life.

On this day in 1926: The Ford Motor Company became one of the first in America to adopt a five-day, 40-hour workweek for automotive factory workers. This decision, made in 1922, aimed to promote a better home life for employees. Edsel Ford, company president, emphasized the importance of rest and recreation for a proper work-life balance.

Topics covered

  • workweek
  • Ford Motor Company
  • employee welfare
  • history
  • work-life balance

Keywords

  • Ford
  • 40-hour workweek
  • Edsel Ford
  • employee welfare
  • history
  • work-life balance

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ford Motor Company

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