Does the 4-day week really bear fruit?

With an increasing demand for work-life balance and employee well-being, many companies are considering adopting a shorter work week. However, the question remains – does the 4-day week really bear fruit? Is it a viable solution to the challenges employees and employers face, or just a passing fad?

What is the 4-day week idea?

The 4-day week is an idea that has gained increasing attention in recent years. It involves reducing the standard working week from five days to four while maintaining the same level of pay. Proponents of this model argue that it can improve work-life balance, increase employee productivity and motivation, and reduce stress and burnout.

Drawbacks of a 4-day week

Opponents of the 4-day week argue that it may not be feasible for all industries or job types. For instance, some industries require a continuous presence, such as healthcare, emergency services and manufacturing. In such industries, reducing the number of workdays may negatively impact productivity, quality of service or safety.

Moreover, some critics argue that the 4-day week may not be suitable for certain roles. For example, sales or customer service roles may require more flexibility in terms of work hours or days, depending on the needs of clients or customers. Additionally, some argue that the 4-day week may lead to longer workdays, which could result in employee fatigue or burnout.

Furthermore, there are concerns that implementing a 4-day work week may not be feasible for small businesses, especially those with limited resources or staff. Such businesses may struggle to maintain their level of service or productivity while reducing workdays, and may not have the resources to hire additional staff to cover the workload.

Benefits of a 4-day week

Despite these concerns, several companies have already implemented a 4-day week with positive results. For example, the New Zealand trust company, Perpetual Guardian, reported a 20% increase in productivity after switching to a 4-day workweek. Similarly, the UK-based creative agency, The Good Agency, reported increased staff motivation and creativity, along with a reduction in absenteeism and staff turnover.

Other companies that have experimented with the 4-day workweek include Microsoft Japan, Shake Shack and Buffer. 

The takeaway on a 4-day workweek

It is important to consider the specific needs and requirements of each industry and business before deciding whether to adopt this model. Companies considering a 4-day week may need to assess their workforce needs, communicate with their employees and experiment with different approaches to find the best fit for their business operations.