Why it's time we should start considering 4 days work week?

I believe that due to automation we are already doing more work than our previous generations used to do. Suppose let's take the example of a charter accountant who was working in the 90s & a charter accountant working now in 2023. It's not limited to bookkeeping, auditing, and tax compliance anymore rather the accountant is now doing financial analysis, risk management, and strategic planning. Which might be in the 90s a workload that the charter accountant took a year to finish. I'm sure it can be compared for different industries & roles too!

So, the point is we are doing more work in less time now & it's exhaustive because our brain is working more & leading to increased stress and burnout.

Additionally, many jobs today require a high level of cognitive processing, problem-solving, and decision-making, which can be mentally taxing.

We are seeing a lot of restlessness nowadays. And these consequences are not coming out of nowhere!

The points for which we should consider-

Enhanced work-life balance:

With a 4-day work week, employees get an extra day to unwind, recharge and engage in extracurricular activities. Better productivity and job satisfaction may result from improved mental and physical health.

Improved productivity:

According to studies, employees who put in fewer hours are frequently more productive when they are on the job. A shorter workweek may motivate staff to prioritize duties better and work more productively.

Decreased employee turnover:

For certain workers, a 4-day work week can be a welcome perk that improves job satisfaction and lowers turnover rates. For businesses that deal with high turnover and the ensuing costs of hiring and training new employees, this might be very advantageous.

Positive environmental impact:

Because offices and other workspaces are utilized less frequently, shorter workweeks may result in lower energy use. By doing this, businesses may lessen their carbon impact and help create a more sustainable future.

The 5-day workweek is still prevalent and useful in the business sector. In some cases, company-wide practices even demand weekend meetings/work too for some industries.

Yet, certain research and tests have suggested that a shorter workweek, such as a 4-day workweek, may be able to provide advantages including enhanced work-life balance, elevated employee happiness, and decreased burnout, which in turn may result in higher productivity and better business outcomes.

A 4-day workweek is preferred by corporations because it can increase employee enthusiasm and engagement, two factors that are important for fostering innovation and business expansion. Companies may be able to recruit and retain top talent, enhance collaboration, and cultivate a more pleasant work culture by cutting back on work hours and giving workers more time to relax and pursue personal interests.

A 4-day workweek can also result in decreased absenteeism and better health outcomes for workers, which might save businesses money on healthcare costs and lost productivity from illness.

It's important to note, nevertheless, that the introduction of a 4-day workweek necessitates careful preparation and consideration of the unique requirements and circumstances of each firm and its personnel. It might not be practical or appropriate for many professions or businesses.

A 4-day work week has the potential to increase productivity, improve work-life balance, and have a more favorable effect on the environment, which might be advantageous for both employees and companies.