The 4-Day Workweek: Is It Worth It?

The traditional five-day workweek has been the standard for decades, but with shifting work patterns and increasing focus on employee well-being, businesses are beginning to ask: is a four-day workweek the future?

The idea is simple - employees work four days instead of five, while receiving the same pay and maintaining productivity levels. Trials worldwide have explored its impact, with some impressive results. But does it truly deliver the benefits it promises, or is it just a workplace trend?

The Case for a 4-Day Workweek

Some argue that a reduced workweek enhances productivity, job satisfaction, and overall work-life balance. Studies suggest that when employees have more time to recharge, they return to work more focused and efficient.

A UK-based trial involving 61 companies and nearly 3,000 employees found that 92% of participating organisations decided to continue with the four-day model after the experiment. Many reported improvements in employee morale, reduced burnout, and even increased revenue. In New Zealand, a similar trial saw productivity rise by 20%, alongside reduced stress levels and improved engagement.

The Challenges

Despite its advantages, transitioning to a four-day workweek is not without its hurdles. Some businesses worry about meeting customer expectations and maintaining service levels. Others fear that compressing the same workload into fewer days could lead to heightened pressure and stress.

Additionally, industries that require round-the-clock operations, such as healthcare and retail, may struggle to adopt this model without significant restructuring. Success depends largely on industry type, company culture, and how well workflows are adapted to the change.

The Verdict

While the four-day workweek isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, it does offer compelling benefits that many businesses can’t ignore. By focusing on results rather than hours worked, companies can cultivate a more engaged and efficient workforce.

As more organisations experiment with flexible working models, the conversation around productivity, well-being, and the future of work continues to evolve.

Our founder, Lucinda says ‘Whilst the idea of a 4-day workweek sounds great in theory, especially when it comes to work-life balance, as a small business owner, I see the challenges that make it less practical. For a growing company, you need to invest as much time as possible to scale, and reducing working days could slow that progress. There are also factors like childcare and the reality that longer workdays might lead to businesses paying more for fewer hours of actual productivity. While it may work for some, I don’t believe it’s the right fit for every company—especially those in the early stages of growth.’

Let us know your thoughts in the comments!