4-Day Work Week: Is it Worth It?
Andy Agouridis
Andy Agouridis | 2 Sept 2024
The concept of a four-day workweek has garnered significant attention in the last few years, and it's not hard to see why. Both employers and employees worldwide are focusing more on personal well-being and a greater work-life balance. In fact, our recent survey revealed that 81% of professionals felt they would be more productive if their company had a four-day workweek.
In this blog, we will examine the pros and cons of a four-day workweek, and its impact on different companies.
What is the 4-Day Work Week Model?
A standard four-day workweek typically involves working four 10-hour days, totalling 40 hours per week, followed by three days off. However, variations of this model exist. For instance, Amazon has experimented with 30-hour workweeks, and some organisations have implemented a 32-hour workweek spread over four days.
Advantages of a 4-Day Work Week
There are several pros of a 4-day workweek for both employees and employers. Let’s look at them in detail:
1. For Employees:
- Greater Work-Life Balance: A four-day workweek model can help employees maintain a better work-life balance. Employees can use their extra day off to spend quality time with their family and friends, work out, or pursue their hobbies. With more time for themselves, individuals tend to enjoy a better quality of life.
- Job Satisfaction: With an extended weekend and a good work-life balance, employees tend to be happier and more satisfied with their jobs. It fosters a sense of fulfilment among them and boosts their morale.
- Better Health: Reduced working days can lead to better physical and mental health. Professionals involved in the four-day workweek were found to have fewer health problems, improved sleep quality, and more time for physical exercise. A condensed workweek also reduces stress levels among professionals. They tend to experience less burnout and fatigue, which can improve their mental well-being.
- Cost Savings: With one less day in the office, professionals can save on costs such as transportation expenses, work lunches, and office attire. They can also potentially save up on childcare expenses for that day.
2. For Employers:
- Increased Productivity: A rejuvenated and motivated workforce tends to perform better. With a shorter working week, employees tend to be more productive. When Microsoft in Japan experimented with a four-day workweek, they witnessed a 40% increase in productivity. Furthermore, when employees have more time to manage their personal responsibilities, non-work obligations are less likely to interfere during business hours, allowing them to be more focused and efficient.
- Higher Retention Rate: Employees who are happy and satisfied with their schedule tend to stay longer with their companies. This is a big plus for employers, as higher retention rates can help them save significant costs in recruiting and training new employees.
- Better Recruitment: By offering more flexibility, companies can get an edge in attracting talent in the job market. It can enhance their appeal to candidates, especially professionals like mothers or caregivers, who are looking for flexible work arrangements. As per a Henley Business School survey, 68% of companies offering a four-day workweek stated that flexible working helped them recruit the right talent.
- Reduced Costs: With reduced days in the office, companies can achieve cost savings, particularly for operational expenses such as electricity, water, and office maintenance. They might also be able to downsize their office space or negotiate better rental agreements.
- Lowered Carbon Footprint: Fewer days in the office also means lesser commute time for employees, which directly translates to lower carbon emissions. As companies increasingly prioritise sustainability, a four-day working model is a proactive step towards a greener future. Additionally, by saving up electricity and other utilities, employers can be more environmentally-friendly.
While a 4-day workweek might seem rosy, it isn't without its drawbacks. Let's discuss the cons of a shortened workweek for both professionals and companies:
- For Employees:
- Longer Hours: With a four-day workweek, companies may choose to increase their business hours to achieve the same total time. This may not work well for all employees. Not everyone has the stamina and energy for a longer working day. Plus, working for longer hours may negatively impact the employee's health in the long run.
- Intensified Workloads: With reduced working days, employers focus more on productivity and targets. As a result, the workload and pressure to perform can intensify for professionals. This can especially be detrimental in creative sectors, where unstructured chats and spontaneous interactions are important for innovation and idea generation.
- Possible Drop in Income: Certain models of a four-day workweek may result in lower pay for employees, especially if they lower the total number of working hours (from 40 to 32 hours, for example). This is particularly important for hourly workers, whose pay is directly correlated with the number of hours they have worked.
2. For Employers:
- Not Suitable for All Businesses: A condensed work schedule can't be implemented in all industries, especially those that require 24/7 operations, such as healthcare, hospitality, or emergency services. Similarly, companies that are service-focused, like salons or restaurants, may experience revenue loss and decreased customer satisfaction with shorter working weeks.
- Difficulty in Managing Teams: Coordinating with different teams on a four-day work schedule can be difficult, especially if the employees' days off are scattered. Also, employees may feel pressured to log in on their non-working days so that they don't miss out on any important work updates.
- Decreased Customer Satisfaction: A four-day workweek can potentially reduce customer satisfaction by limiting service availability and increasing response times. Shortened operational days can make it difficult to maintain the same level of customer service, leading to longer wait times for assistance. This can be especially problematic for businesses that rely on constant client interaction, such as retail stores and customer service centres.
Will a 4-Day Work Week be Successful?
Whether a four-day workweek will be successful is tricky. Results have been varied – some businesses have reported significant benefits while others are encountering problems.
The four-day workweek is difficult for industries that require continuous operations. However, sectors such as technology and creative industries where work is more project-based and flexible tend to adapt more easily to this model.
Microsoft Japan has experienced a 40% increase in productivity during their trial of a four-day workweek through efficient working techniques and improved employee morale. During its trial, New Zealand-based Perpetual Guardian witnessed increased productivity and employee satisfaction. On the other hand, some have had underwhelming experiences. Utah’s government offices switched back to a five-day week due to low consumer satisfaction levels.
In conclusion, while the four-day workweek is promising, its success depends on multiple factors, such as the industry, company dynamics, and employees’ preferences. Employers must weigh the potential gains against the operational challenges to determine if a four-day workweek can transform the way they work.
Andy Agouridis
Andy is on a mission to help candidates do what they love. Apart from being a Glassdoor contributor, he is the Director of CareerHigher, a career writer, and a speaker. He has a background in HR with Fortune 100 businesses, holds an MSc in HRM, and is a Chartered member of the CIPD.
