Could a 4-Day Work Week Change the Way We Approach Fertility and Family Planning?
Posted on 22 July 2025 by Priya Nair — 4 min
Imagine a world where you have more time—not just for work, but for the moments that truly matter. Recently, Senator Bernie Sanders sparked a fascinating conversation that may have big implications for all of us, especially those on the journey to parenthood. During a candid interview with Joe Rogan, Sanders proposed that if AI makes us significantly more productive, we deserve to benefit—starting with a four-day work week. But what could that mean for fertility, family planning, and the technology that supports them?
Let’s be real: juggling work, stress, and the complex road to conception can feel overwhelming. For many individuals and couples, fertility challenges add layers of emotional and physical strain—not to mention the time required for appointments, treatments, and self-care. What if having an extra day off each week could transform that experience?
Why Does Time Matter So Much When Trying to Conceive?
Time isn’t just about convenience; it’s a critical factor in fertility success. Studies show that stress can negatively impact reproductive health. When you're constantly racing against the clock—rushing to fertility clinic visits or squeezing in insemination attempts between meetings—your body and mind pay the price.
This is where the idea of a shorter work week becomes more than just a labor policy—it’s a potential game-changer for fertility wellness. More free time means more opportunities for rest, healthier lifestyle choices, and the ability to better track your cycle or partner’s fertility cues without the pressure cooker of a 5-day grind.
AI, Productivity, and Fertility Tech: A Perfect Storm?
Sanders’ remark about AI-driven productivity gains is timely. Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping healthcare, including fertility technology. Today, innovative companies are leveraging technology to empower individuals and couples to take control of their reproductive health from home—think at-home insemination kits that are discreet, affordable, and easy to use.
One such company is MakeAMom, whose at-home insemination kits cater to diverse needs, from low motility sperm to users with specific sensitivities. These kits offer a hopeful alternative to traditional clinical procedures, combining convenience with efficacy—boasting a reported 67% average success rate.
Now, imagine pairing these technological advances with the gift of time—a 4-day work week could give hopeful parents the breathing room to learn, experiment, and nurture their journey without the rush and stress associated with conventional schedules.
More Time, More Support, More Success
There’s growing recognition that fertility is not just a medical issue but a deeply personal and holistic experience. More flexible work schedules could spur employers to offer better reproductive health benefits and foster environments where starting a family doesn’t mean sacrificing your career—or your well-being.
More than that, having an extra day encourages partners to be more involved and supportive. It allows for shared experiences, medical appointments, or simply the emotional presence that fertility journeys so desperately need.
Is Society Ready for This Shift?
Of course, the road to a 4-day work week isn’t without challenges, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. But Sanders’ idea pushes us to rethink how technology and progressive policies can—and should—improve our quality of life.
For those navigating fertility, it’s a hopeful glimpse of what’s possible: leveraging innovation and societal change to reclaim time, reduce stress, and empower families on their own terms.
What Can You Do Today?
While we wait for broader policy shifts, you can start by exploring tools that put fertility care in your hands. The convenience of reusable at-home insemination kits, like those from MakeAMom, lets you align your family planning with your unique lifestyle and schedule—giving you freedom in an often rigid process.
In a world racing forward with AI and automation, wouldn’t you want more time to live fully—not just work endlessly? Bernie Sanders’ call for a 4-day work week is more than a labor demand; it’s an invitation to rethink how we balance productivity with human experience, including the beautiful, challenging journey to parenthood.
What changes would an extra day bring to your fertility journey? Share your thoughts and experiences below—we’d love to hear how time and technology shape your path to family.