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In many industrial countries, people work five eight-hour days or 40 hours a week. But some companies now want their employees to work just four days a week and still pay them for five.

Is it too good to be true?

Companies that reduced work hours have found that their employees like their jobs more and are more productive at work.

Jan Schulz-Hofen set up the computer software company Planio in Berlin, Germany. Planio offered a four-day week to its 10-member work force earlier this year. Schulz-Hofen said, "It is much healthier and we do a better job if we're not working crazy hours."

In New Zealand, a company called Perpetual Guardian tested how its employees reacted to a 32-hour workweek earlier this year. It said the workers reported feeling less pressured and more involved with the business.

In Japan, the government is urging companies to let their workers have Monday mornings off. Other attempts to reduce working hours, however, have had little effect since many Japanese continue to work extra hours anyway.

A study of 3,000 employees found that nearly half thought they could easily finish their work in five hours a day if they did not have to stop and re-start. Many said they already are working more than 40 hours a week anyway. The workers were from eight countries, including the United States, Britain and Germany.

Dan Schawbel expects more companies and countries will permit a four-day workweek, but not in the United States. He said, "I think America will be the last country to give us Monday mornings off because we're so used to this way of working."

1.If you are working in the company Planio, you may just need to work _____ a week.

A 20 hours

B 32 hours

C 48 hours

D 56 hours

解析：选B。细节理解题。根据第四段第二句Planio offered a four-day week to its 10-member work force earlier this year.可知，一周工作4天，按8小时制就是每周工作32小时，故选B。

2.Workers may not work on Monday mornings ________.

A in New Zealand

B in Germany

C in Britain

D in Japan

解析：选D。细节理解题。根据第六段In Japan, the government is urging companies to let their workers have Monday mornings off.可知，在日本，政府正敦促公司让员工周一早上可以休息，故选D。

3.Why does Dan Schawbel say America will be the last country to enjoy Monday mornings off?

A Because Americans get used to working five days a week.

B Because Americans want to make more money.

C Because Americans want to be much healthier.

D Because Americans like working more time.

解析：选A。细节理解题。根据最后一段...because we're so used to this way of working可知，他说美国是最后一个在周一早上放假的国家是因为已经习惯了这种工作方式（每周工作五天），故选A。

4.Where may you read the passage?

A In a story book.

B In a business magazine.

C On a film website.

D In a fashion book.

解析：选B。推理判断题。这是一篇有关于工作时间的文章，可以从商业杂志上看到，故选B。