The Seven-day Weekend

In 'The Seven-day Weekend', Ricardo Semler challenges the conventional work culture by advocating for radical flexibility and autonomy in the workplace. He shares insights from his own company's transformation, where employees are trusted to design their own schedules and make decisions. Semler's philosophy blurs the line between work and life, promoting a more fulfilling approach to both. As companies grapple with burnout and dissatisfaction, his ideas spark vital questions about productivity and personal fulfillment. Can freedom in work truly lead to happiness?

By Ricardo Semler

Published: 2004

The Seven-day WeekendBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00
Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

You might also like →

The War of ArtBook binding

The War of Art

Steven Pressfield

12 Rules for LifeBook binding

12 Rules for Life

Jordan B. Peterson

Stress Less, Accomplish MoreBook binding

Stress Less, Accomplish More

Emily Fletcher

The Scout MindsetBook binding

The Scout Mindset

Julia Galef

The Code of the Extraordinary MindBook binding

The Code of the Extraordinary Mind

Vishen Lakhiani

The 4 Day WeekBook binding

The 4 Day Week

Andrew Barnes

The God DelusionBook binding

The God Delusion

Richard Dawkins, Charles Simonyi Professor of the Public Understanding of Science Richard Dawkins

The Celestine ProphecyBook binding

The Celestine Prophecy

James Redfield

Beyond WealthBook binding

Beyond Wealth

Alexander Green

The Surrender ExperimentBook binding

The Surrender Experiment

Michael A. Singer

The Unbearable Lightness of BeingBook binding

The Unbearable Lightness of Being

Milan Kundera

Conversations with GodBook binding

Conversations with God

Neale Donald Walsch

The Visual Display of Quantitative InformationBook binding

The Visual Display of Quantitative Information

Edward R. Tufte

River Out of EdenBook binding

River Out of Eden

Richard Dawkins

Essays After EightyBook binding

Essays After Eighty

Donald Hall

Leadership and Self-DeceptionBook binding

Leadership and Self-Deception

The Arbinger Institute

Conscious BusinessBook binding

Conscious Business

Fred Kofman

Herding TigersBook binding

Herding Tigers

Todd Henry

The Gift of Good LandBook binding

The Gift of Good Land

Wendell Berry

An Empire of WealthBook binding

An Empire of Wealth

John Steele Gordon

What Got You Here Won't Get You ThereBook binding

What Got You Here Won't Get You There

Marshall Goldsmith, Mark Reiter

The Paris ArchitectBook binding

The Paris Architect

Charles Belfoure

Science of HittingBook binding

Science of Hitting

Ted Williams, John Underwood

The Kelly Capital Growth Investment CriterionBook binding

The Kelly Capital Growth Investment Criterion

Leonard C. MacLean, Edward O. Thorp, William T. Ziemba

Into the WildBook binding

Into the Wild

Jon Krakauer

A Way of BeingBook binding

A Way of Being

Carl Ransom Rogers

The Hard Facts of the Grimms' Fairy TalesBook binding

The Hard Facts of the Grimms' Fairy Tales

Maria Tatar

Back from the DeadBook binding

Back from the Dead

Bill Walton

Bright Lights, Big CityBook binding

Bright Lights, Big City

Jay McInerney

Fierce Femmes and Notorious LiarsBook binding

Fierce Femmes and Notorious Liars

Kai Cheng Thom

Book Collections you might like →

David Hellmann's Book Recommendations

David Hellmann's Book Recommendations

David Hellmann is a celebrated author and web designer known for his compelling storytelling and innovative approach to digital art. His debut novel, "Echoes in the Void," garnered critical acclaim for its intricate plot and deep character development, earning him a spot on several bestseller lists. Hellmann has also made significant contributions to the literary community through his engaging short stories and essays, which explore themes of technology and human connection. In addition to his writing, he has been instrumental in blending literary and visual arts, creating immersive digital experiences that captivate audiences worldwide. Hellmann's work continues to inspire and challenge readers, solidifying his place as a prominent figure in contemporary literature.

View Collection
David Heinemeier Hansson's Book Recommendations

David Heinemeier Hansson's Book Recommendations

David Heinemeier Hansson, also known as DHH, is a Danish programmer, entrepreneur, and author, best known as the creator of Ruby on Rails, a popular web application framework. Heinemeier Hansson is also a partner at Basecamp, a project management and collaboration software company he co-founded. His contributions to software development have earned him widespread recognition, with Ruby on Rails being used by thousands of developers and companies worldwide. Heinemeier Hansson is also a vocal advocate for remote work, simplicity in business, and sustainable work practices, ideas he explores in his bestselling books Rework and It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work. In addition to his work in tech, he is an accomplished race car driver, having competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Heinemeier Hansson’s approach to work-life balance and entrepreneurship has made him a thought leader in the tech community, where he continues to challenge traditional business practices and advocate for more human-centered approaches to work

View Collection
Marc Andreessen's Book Recommendations

Marc Andreessen's Book Recommendations

Marc Andreessen is an American entrepreneur, software engineer, and venture capitalist, best known for co-creating the Mosaic web browser, the first widely-used web browser, and co-founding Netscape. Andreessen is also the co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, one of Silicon Valley’s most prominent venture capital firms, where he invests in groundbreaking technology companies like Facebook, Airbnb, and Coinbase. He is a thought leader on the impact of technology and innovation, often sharing his views on the future of the internet and startups. His contributions to the development of the web and the tech ecosystem have made him one of the most influential figures in technology.

View Collection
Ezra Klein's Book Recommendations

Ezra Klein's Book Recommendations

Ezra Klein is a prominent American journalist, political analyst, and author, renowned for his incisive commentary on politics and policy. He co-founded Vox, a widely respected news website known for its explanatory journalism, and served as its editor-in-chief. Klein's work includes the critically acclaimed book "Why We're Polarized," which delves into the deep-seated divisions in American politics. He also hosts "The Ezra Klein Show," a popular podcast where he interviews thought leaders from various fields. Klein's contributions have significantly shaped contemporary political discourse and media consumption.

View Collection
Carl Icahn's Book Recommendations

Carl Icahn's Book Recommendations

Carl Icahn is a billionaire investor and activist shareholder known for taking controlling positions in companies to influence management and strategic direction. He has built a reputation as a corporate raider, often shaking up large corporations to unlock shareholder value. Icahn has been involved in numerous high-profile battles with companies like Apple, Dell, and Netflix. His firm, Icahn Enterprises, spans multiple industries, including energy, automotive, and real estate. Icahn is considered one of the most influential and successful investors of his generation.

View Collection
Paul Jarvis's Book Recommendations

Paul Jarvis's Book Recommendations

Paul Jarvis is a Canadian author, entrepreneur, and web designer renowned for his insightful contributions to the literature on entrepreneurship and work-life balance. His best-selling book, "Company of One," challenges traditional business growth paradigms by advocating for staying small and avoiding unnecessary scaling. Jarvis's work has been featured in highly respected publications like Forbes, Fast Company, and The Huffington Post. In addition to writing, he hosts popular podcasts, including "Creative Class," which offers advice for freelancers and creative professionals. Jarvis's thought leadership continues to inspire a generation of entrepreneurs to build sustainable and fulfilling careers.

View Collection
Cal Newport's Book Recommendations

Cal Newport's Book Recommendations

Cal Newport is a prominent computer science professor at Georgetown University and a bestselling author known for his influential work on productivity and deep work. His groundbreaking book, "Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World," has garnered widespread acclaim for its insights into maximizing cognitive performance in a distraction-filled age. Newport's other notable works include "So Good They Can't Ignore You," which challenges conventional career advice, and "Digital Minimalism," which advocates for a more intentional approach to technology use. Through his books and popular blog, Newport has become a leading voice in the discussion of work habits and digital wellness. His research and writings continue to inspire individuals and organizations to rethink their approach to work and technology.

View Collection
Jason Fried's Book Recommendations

Jason Fried's Book Recommendations

Jason Fried is an influential entrepreneur and author best known as the co-founder and CEO of Basecamp, a project management and team collaboration software company. He has notably co-authored several best-selling books, including "Rework" and "Remote: Office Not Required," which challenge conventional business practices and advocate for more efficient, flexible work environments. Fried's clear, straightforward writing style has resonated with a wide audience, making complex business concepts accessible. His work has significantly contributed to the discourse on modern work culture and productivity. Fried continues to influence contemporary business thought through his writing and leadership at Basecamp.

View Collection
Matt Mullenweg's Book Recommendations

Matt Mullenweg's Book Recommendations

Matt Mullenweg is an influential American entrepreneur and web developer, best known for co-founding WordPress, the open-source software that powers over 40% of the web. Born in 1984 in Houston, Texas, Mullenweg's work has revolutionized digital publishing and democratized web content creation. As the CEO of Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, he has expanded the platform's reach and capabilities, fostering a vibrant community of developers and users. Mullenweg is also an advocate for open-source software and has contributed significantly to its proliferation and adoption. His impact on digital literature and publishing is profound, enabling countless individuals and organizations to share their voices online.

View Collection
Richard Branson's Book Recommendations

Richard Branson's Book Recommendations

Richard Branson is a British entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group, which operates in sectors ranging from airlines to space travel. Branson’s entrepreneurial journey began in the 1970s with Virgin Records, and he has since built one of the most recognized brands in the world. Known for his adventurous spirit and willingness to take risks, Branson has pursued innovative ventures like Virgin Galactic, aiming to pioneer commercial space tourism. He is also a philanthropist, focusing on environmental sustainability and global health issues. Branson's bold and unconventional approach to business has made him a global icon of entrepreneurship.

View Collection
Sheryl Sandberg's Book Recommendations

Sheryl Sandberg's Book Recommendations

Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Meta (formerly Facebook) and the author of the bestselling book Lean In, which encourages women to pursue leadership roles and create gender equality in the workplace. She is a prominent advocate for women’s rights, particularly in corporate environments, and has launched initiatives to support women’s empowerment globally. Sheryl’s leadership at Facebook helped the company grow into one of the world’s largest social media platforms. She is also the founder of LeanIn.Org, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women.

View Collection
Ali Abdaal's Book Recommendations

Ali Abdaal's Book Recommendations

Ali Abdaal is a renowned productivity expert, author, and YouTuber known for his engaging content on personal development and effective study techniques. A former doctor, Abdaal transitioned from his medical career to focus on sharing insights through his popular YouTube channel, which has amassed millions of subscribers. He is the author of "YouTube for Doctors," where he explores the intersection of medicine and digital content creation. Abdaal's work is celebrated for its practical advice, blending scientific research with personal anecdotes to help individuals optimize their lives. His contributions have significantly influenced the productivity and self-improvement community, making him a respected voice in the field.

View Collection
Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations

Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations

Arianna Huffington is the founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, a company focused on wellness and productivity. She is a bestselling author and prominent speaker on the importance of sleep and managing stress. Arianna’s work emphasizes the importance of balance between professional success and personal well-being. Her book The Sleep Revolution has inspired a global movement to prioritize rest. She is considered one of the most influential women in media and business.

View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.

View Collection

Frequently Asked Questions