The concept of 'Saint Monday' has resurfaced in discussions regarding contemporary work-life balance. Historically, this practice involved 19th-century laborers taking an unofficial day of rest on Mondays, a habit that frequently drew criticism from employers and social observers of the era.

Writing in response to recent discourse on the evolution of the weekend, Dr. Susan Major notes that the practice was not necessarily detrimental to productivity. She cites a 1860 report from the Birmingham Daily Post, which defended the laborers by comparing their work habits to those of Members of Parliament. The report argued that while MPs often did not commence their legislative duties until Thursdays, they were not subjected to the same level of scrutiny as the working class. The historical evidence suggests that despite the absence on Mondays, these laborers successfully met their required output and targets. This historical precedent is being used to frame modern arguments that suggest flexible working arrangements do not inherently lead to a decline in professional performance.