The 4-day work week has gained momentum in recent years as a leading concept for a shorter workweek. With this approach, employees can enjoy a three-day weekend every week, but the benefits extend beyond extra leisure time. Studies show that a 4-day work week can have a positive impact on employee well-being, workplace productivity, and the environment.
What is a 4-day Work Week?
A 4-day work week involves full-time employees working four days a week, rather than the customary five, for the same compensation. It should not be confused with a compressed workweek, where individuals work a standard 35 to 40 hours in four days, and then have three days off. Such compressed schedules often result in overwork and added stress, whereas a true four-day week maintains the same work schedule of seven to eight hours per day, while granting an extra day off. The four-day workweek enables staff members to work fewer hours without taking a cut in pay.
Positive Outcomes of 4-Day Work Week Globally
United Kingdom
During 2022, a six-month trial program organized by the nonprofit 4 Day Week Global, in collaboration with the think tank Autonomy, and researchers at Cambridge University and Boston College, tested the feasibility of shifting from a 40-hour workweek to a 32-hour workweek without salary reductions. The pilot program showed promising results:
- 92% of the participating companies adopted the four-day workweek.
- 54% of employees reported improved capacity to balance work and personal tasks.
- 60% were able to better manage work and caretaking responsibilities.
- Companies experienced a 57% decrease in employee turnover rate.
Iceland
Between 2015 and 2019, the Reykjavík City Council carried out the most extensive trial of a four-day workweek to date. This trial involved 1% of the entire workforce. The results of the experiment were considered to be overwhelmingly positive. Outcomes include employees reporting increased morale, reduced burnout, better work-life balance, and no decline in productivity.
As a result of this success, 86% of Iceland’s workforce is now emulating the model by either working a reduced schedule or in talks to implement one.
New Zealand
In March 2018, New Zealand-based company Perpetual Guardian launched a groundbreaking eight-week trial that involved all 240 employees testing productivity, motivation, and output by implementing a four-day workweek with no reduction in pay. The experiment aimed to determine whether staff members could deliver the same amount of output while working 30 hours a week as they could in a standard 37.5-hour week. Founder Andrew Barnes initiated the trial after reading several global reports on productivity and recognizing New Zealand’s low ranking among OECD countries. Head of People and Capability Christine Brotherton believed that the trial would increase staff engagement and productivity by providing a better work-life balance.
Advantages of 4-Day Work Week
Work-life Balance
Undoubtedly, the implementation of a 4-day work week can enhance employee satisfaction and happiness. This arrangement enables employees to have additional time for personal pursuits, ultimately contributing to a better work-life balance. Consequently, employees get to relish life more fully. Additionally, with more time dedicated to personal activities, employees are likely to be more punctual and less prone to absenteeism.
Increased Productivity
Existing trials have shown that one of the primary concerns regarding the implementation of a four-day workweek has been debunked. While many companies fear that reducing work hours would lead to decreased productivity, that fear has not been supported by the evidence. In fact, employees have demonstrated that they can maintain, and in some cases even increase, their productivity levels within a compressed workweek. Additionally, employees who are not overworked have shown to produce better quality and more creative work.
Company Benefits
As remote work gains popularity, companies offering four-day work weeks are increasingly attracting top talent. Not only does remote work give employees back valuable commuting time, but an extra day off is an even greater perk. By implementing this strategy correctly, companies can reduce operational costs, boost employee performance, and lower turnover rates without any additional spending. This requires effective time management and production scheduling.
Disadvantages of 4-Day Work Week
Not cost-effective for all industries
One of the significant drawbacks of a 4-day work week is the reduction in work hours. This can lead to reduced output and potentially lower revenues, especially for industries that work most days of the week or even around the clock like food service, retails, and manufacturing.
In Sweden, a four-day workweek with nurses was tested. However, the plan was ultimately scrapped because it was found to not be cost-effective. A true four-day workweek involves a reduction in hours with no reduction in pay. This means that more employees may have to be hired in industries that require seven-day-a-week coverage which could offset any gains that would otherwise be made from reduced facility costs.
Staffing Challenges
Implementing a 4-day work week may lead to staffing issues since the company will have to recruit more employees to ensure continuous customer service and operations. This could also affect the workflow processes. For instance, hospitals are required to function seven days a week, necessitating a reevaluation of staffing and workflows to enable employees to work a 4-day week.
Potential Burnout
4-day work week could possibly result in burnout if employees are compelled to handle an excessive workload. Moreover, helicopter management can also contribute to burnout. Managers may pressure employees to do more work in less time due to fewer workdays in a week.
The Environmental Implications of Implementing a 4-Day Work Week
A report published by Platform London in May 2021 examined the potential environmental impact of a shorter workweek. According to the report, reducing the workweek could result in a decrease in carbon emissions. This is due to reduced electricity consumption from office buildings and less commuting. The report estimated that offering one full day off per week could reduce carbon footprint by as much as 30%, while a more modest reduction of three to four hours a week for full-time workers could still lead to a 14.6% decrease in carbon emissions.
Assessing HR Success: The Effects of a 4-Day Work Week
HR metrics like employee satisfaction, growth, and retention are key in assessing the impact of a 4-day work week. According to a survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management, organizations that adopted a 4-day work week reported a 20% boost in employee satisfaction and a 31% decrease in employee turnover.
In today’s work landscape, where trends like remote work, Quiet Quitting, and Quiet Firing are becoming increasingly common, prioritizing a healthy work-life balance is more important than ever. As the popular saying goes, “work to live, don’t live to work.” Implementing a 4-day work week can be a positive step towards creating a more humane and holistic work environment that promotes better employee well-being.