Are there benefits to a 4 day work week?

A 4 day work week, also known as a compressed workweek or reduced workweek, is a big debate nowadays and with a good reason.

The traditional five day workweek, a relic of the industrial age, is facing a challenge from the four day work week model. 

Let’s understand more about what is a 4 day work week, the benefits and challenges:

What is a 4 day work week?

Seems odd, but a lot of people are discussing if a 4 day work week is the best option to make workers more productive. But where did this line of thought originated?

The five day work week originated in the American automaker Ford that insisted their workers should work 5 days a week, and since then this is what we have been doing.

Then in 2018 the entrepreneur Andrew Barnes in his Ted Talk “The 4 day week” brought this concept highlighting the productivity raise. He said that the Britishers are productive during two and a half hours of the day, and this could change depending on the place you live.

He also said that decreasing the days worked to have more productivity was a good bargain. Andrew, himself had implanted this system in his company, Perpetual Guardian, and this test is doing great so far.

And then came the pandemic, during this time the 4 day work week turned into a really hot topic, especially because the leaders needed to make a decision to protect their workers, that’s why a lot of companies changed their model to work from home.

With this they discovered that some kinds of jobs could turnout to be more productive when workers had more flexibility and time on their days. With this new point of view, the 4 day week work came to the spotlight again, and people started remembering what Andrew said.

Which are the benefits

Of course if the CEO’s of big companies are thinking of reducing the work week this should bring some type of benefit, to the company and to the worker.

Benefits to the employee

The employee will have an extra day off work which will allow him to dedicate more time to personal matters, like health, family and personal time. 

It’ll also increase productivity, shorter workweeks can lead to a sharper focus during working hours. A survey conducted by the Henley Business School report indicates that 40% of the employees say they use the extra free time to develop professional skills into their career.

The drive research company interviewed more than 2 thousand employees in the USA and 56% said they prefer to work 40 hours a week in 4 days, instead of 5.

This model of work can also reduce stress and burnout, since the workers will spend less time commuting and working in a week, which leads to job satisfaction, motivation and more creativity.

Benefits to the employer

The employer will also find benefits of providing a 4 day work week to their employees, like reduced costs with utilities, office management and supplies.

A research conducted by The Henley Business School says that the change to a 4 day week work in the UK has already saved £92 billion annually from businesses.

It can also help the company retain more talented employees, this demonstrates a company’s commitment to the well being of their workers, as well as attract new top talent.

This kind of model of work helps to enhance the employer brand and attract more qualified talents to your company.

What challenges should be considered to a 4 day work week

But it’s important to address that the 4 day work week isn’t a one size fits all solution, and besides this line of thought there are a lot of things that need to be surpassed to make this model really work.

And one of the biggest challenges it’s the longer working days, which turns into a double-edged sword, because to have this shorter week it’s needed to have more hours.

Depending on the workload some employees can find it difficult to manage the workload, so it’s very important to adjust appropriately to fit into fewer work days without giving anyone a burnout.

It’s also needed to consider that this change will make a big shift into the work culture, that will require adaptation from employees and managers, it’s not something that can be done in just one day.

Of course these aren’t the only things that will impact on the 4 day work week, it’s needed to think things through before and during all this process.

In conclusion, while the concept of a four-day workweek presents compelling benefits for both employees and employers, it is not without its challenges.

By allowing employees an additional day off, organizations can potentially enhance work-life balance, increase productivity during condensed hours, and reduce operational costs.

FAQ

1. What is a 4-day work week?

A 4-day work week, also known as a compressed workweek or reduced workweek, involves employees working their full weekly hours over just four days instead of the traditional five. This concept aims to increase productivity and improve work-life balance.

2. Where did the 4-day work week concept originate?

The 4-day work week gained attention from entrepreneur Andrew Barnes, who discussed its potential benefits in his 2018 TED Talk, “The 4 Day Week.” Barnes implemented this model at his company, Perpetual Guardian, and found increased productivity. The idea gained further traction during the COVID-19 pandemic as companies explored flexible work arrangements.

3. What are the benefits of a 4-day work week for employees?

• Extra Day Off: Employees gain an additional day to focus on personal matters, health, and family.
• Increased Productivity: Shorter workweeks can lead to sharper focus during working hours.
• Reduced Stress: Fewer workdays and commutes can lower stress and burnout, leading to higher job satisfaction and creativity.
• Professional Development: Many employees use the extra day to develop new skills and advance their careers.

4. What are the benefits of a 4-day work week for employers?

• Cost Savings: Reduced costs on utilities, office management, and supplies.
• Talent Retention: Helps retain and attract talented employees by demonstrating a commitment to their well-being.
• Enhanced Employer Brand: Improves the company’s image and attracts top talent.
• Operational Savings: Research suggests significant annual savings, such as the £92 billion saved in the UK from businesses adopting this model.

5. What are the challenges associated with a 4-day work week?

• Longer Workdays: Employees may face longer daily hours to compensate for the shorter workweek, potentially leading to burnout if not managed well.
• Workload Management: Some employees may struggle to manage their workload within fewer days.
• Cultural Shift: Transitioning to a 4-day work week requires adaptation from both employees and managers, and cannot be implemented overnight.

6. How does a 4-day work week impact work culture?

Adopting a 4-day work week requires a significant cultural shift. Organizations must ensure that the transition is smooth and that both employees and managers adapt to new working patterns effectively.

7. Is the 4-day work week suitable for all types of businesses?

The 4-day work week may not be suitable for every business or industry. It is important to evaluate whether the model aligns with the company’s operational needs and employee roles.

8. How can organizations successfully implement a 4-day work week?

Organizations should carefully plan the transition by considering workload adjustments, employee feedback, and gradual implementation to ensure a successful adaptation to the new work schedule.

9. Are there any examples of successful 4-day work week implementations?

Yes, Perpetual Guardian, led by Andrew Barnes, successfully implemented the 4-day work week, showing increased productivity and employee satisfaction. The UK has also seen significant savings from businesses adopting this model.

10. Where can I find more information on the 4-day work week?

For more detailed insights and case studies, you can explore resources such as Andrew Barnes’ TED Talk, research from The Henley Business School, and articles on successful implementations of the 4-day work week.