The idea is to work less than 40 hours a week, not to spread those 40 hours into various off-hours. People are proven to be more productive when they work less

The idea is to work less than 40 hours a week, not to spread those 40 hours into various off-hours. People are proven to be more productive when they work less than 40 hours a week, so I'm not sure why they'd take a pay cut. If anything, they should get paid more for producing more value. Also not mentioned: when you work less, you burn out less and are less likely to quit your job. Yet another argument for a < 40 hour work week.