Four-day workweek – a global movement

As both employers and employees seek improved work practices, many are reconsidering the traditional concept of the workweek. Transitioning from a five-day to a four-day workweek requires more than simply adjusting the company calendar.

Embracing a four-day workweek offers numerous advantages, such as enhanced productivity for both companies and employees, reduced turnover, and improved work-life balance, among others, with minimal drawbacks. ?

To assist in determining whether a four-day workweek is suitable for your organization, we will explore various examples of how it can be implemented, its benefits, and potential challenges to consider.

How Is a Four-Day Workweek Structured?

The 4-day workweek can be viewed in two primary ways: as a compressed workweek or a shortened workweek.

1.????? Compressed Workweek

In this model, the eight-hour workdays typically spread across five days are condensed into four 10-hour workdays. Employees perform the same tasks but within slightly extended workdays.

2.????? Shortened Workweek

This strategy reduces weekly work hours while maintaining the same level of pay (in most instances). Known as the 100:80:100 model, employees receive full compensation for working 80% of their usual hours. The crucial aspect of this arrangement is that employees are expected to deliver 100% productivity. Regarding the practical implementation of a shortened workweek, there are no strict guidelines dictating the exact duration of the reduced workweek.

Benefits of a 4-Day Workweek

• Enhanced Flexibility and Improved Work-Life Balance led to Increased Employee Satisfaction

The primary advantages of a four-day workweek lie in the heightened flexibility and improved work-life balance it offers employees. These aspects hold particular significance, especially considering the challenges individuals have faced with their mental well-being and the blending of home and work life during the pandemic.

According to a 2022 survey, 79% of remote workers reported experiencing burnout monthly, with over half indicating weekly occurrences.

The primary factors they identified as contributing to burnout were:

·??????? The pervasive nature of an "always-on" remote work culture

·??????? Balancing additional duties at home or in their personal lives

·??????? Managing additional tasks beyond their job scope

Having an extra day off each week or shorter workdays allows employees to manage personal responsibilities such as childcare or prioritizing their health, while also pursuing activities they enjoy, such as hobbies or community involvement. This leads to increased employee happiness and improved well-being, as observed by many employers.

• Employees demonstrate heightened productivity, leading to increased efficiency within businesses

It can be quite startling to realize the extent of time wasted during work hours, primarily attributed to inefficiencies and inadequate management rather than employee laziness. According to a survey conducted by The Workforce Institute at Kronos - 45% of employees believe they could effectively complete their tasks within five hours or less per day. So, what happens during the remaining three hours? Nearly nine out of ten employees reported losing time daily on tasks unrelated to their primary job responsibilities.

Here are the top 5 time-wasting activities:

·??????? Addressing issues they didn't cause

·??????? Performing administrative tasks

·??????? Attending meetings

·??????? Managing email correspondence

·??????? Resolving customer concerns

This sheds light on how businesses can enhance productivity while reducing or condensing work hours—it's about working smarter, not harder.

Four-Day Workweek - Negative Perceptions

Despite the overwhelming evidence in favor of a four-day workweek, its primary drawback lies in the negative preconceptions some individuals hold about it. While skepticism is particularly prevalent among managers and leaders, even employees express concerns regarding potential adverse impacts on certain aspects of business success.

·??????? 40% of individual contributors anticipate a detrimental effect on sales and revenue, compared to 46% of managers and 53% of senior leaders.

·??????? 29% of individual contributors believe there may be a decline in work performance, contrasting with 40% of managers and 48% of senior leaders.

The Four-Day Workweek Goes Beyond Mere Hype

Whether embraced or resisted, numerous companies have embraced the concept of the four-day workweek, and they're steadfast in their decision. When considering the advantages, it becomes apparent why – employees are happier, more efficient, and have more time to engage in personal pursuits.

However, even if the drawbacks of implementing a four-day workweek appear to outweigh the benefits for your organization, adopting the fundamental principles underlying this practice can still enhance employee satisfaction and retention.