What conclusion does the author reach?

A company with 120 employees tested a four-day working week for six months, paying full salaries for the shorter week. At the end of the trial, management reported that output, measured in completed client projects, was about the same as before, and that sick leave had fallen. Several managers concluded that the shorter week should be made permanent across the industry. Not everyone was convinced. The trial involved only one firm, in which most tasks are done at a desk and deadlines are flexible. Employees knew they were being observed and may have worked harder to make the trial succeed. Also, the six months ended before the winter season, when demand usually peaks. A fair conclusion is that the result is encouraging for firms like this one, but that it cannot be applied everywhere without further testing.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. The result is encouraging for similar firms but is not proof for every workplace

  1. Step 1: The last sentence states the author's view. Step 2. It is encouraging for similar firms, and needs more testing elsewhere. Answer: Encouraging for similar firms, not proof for all. Why not the others: The author rejects immediate adoption everywhere, and the trial found output about the same.

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