Benefits and Drawbacks of a Shortened Four-Day Work Schedule
The idea of a four-day workweek has been gaining traction, with supporters arguing that it can lead to increased productivity, improved employee well-being, reduced burnout, and enhanced employee satisfaction. This shift could be a game-changer for businesses, offering a more balanced and sustainable work model.
One of the key benefits of a shorter workweek is the improved mental and physical health of employees. A large international trial by Boston College involving 141 companies showed a 15% reduction in burnout, a 20% reduction in stress, and overall improved mental and physical health among workers [5]. This suggests that a shorter workweek can enhance workforce health and motivation while maintaining business output.
Employees on a four-day workweek also tend to be happier and less stressed, leading to better focus and sustained or even heightened productivity [1][3][5]. For instance, Diamondback, a company that cut five hours of the workweek, found increased efficiency without decreasing pay [2].
Additional advantages include extra time for employees to handle appointments and errands, which can reduce absenteeism and improve work-life balance [1]. Reduced commute time on the fifth day off also contributes to employee happiness and less fatigue [1].
However, implementing a four-day workweek is not without its challenges. Difficulty ensuring consistent business coverage and availability, especially in service or client-facing roles, is a potential issue. Operational challenges in scheduling and coordination may also require workflow adjustments [4].
Some industries or roles might find it harder to compress work into fewer days without increasing daily hours or reducing service levels. Managing multiple teams on a four-day workweek can be challenging, particularly if the business runs 24/7 [4].
Moreover, the cost risk associated with a four-day workweek, especially if employees fail to meet work requirements, can be expensive for employers. The cost of recruiting employees for a four-day workweek can be high due to the additional expenses of benefits like pensions and health insurance [6].
In some cases, a four-day workweek may not be suitable for certain jobs that require a certain amount of time to complete. For example, in a four-day work week experiment in France, workers ended up putting in the same hours anyways, resulting in added expenses for the company due to overtime pay [7].
Despite these challenges, recent research and business experiences indicate that the four-day workweek offers significant advantages for productivity and employee health. Companies like Kickstarter and Unilever are currently testing this model, and countries such as Spain are planning to trial it [1][8]. While the four-day workweek requires thoughtful implementation, it offers a promising shift towards a more balanced and productive work environment.
References: [1] Fry, R. (2021). The four-day workweek: A new experiment in productivity. The Washington Post. [2] Diamondback Bikes. (2021). Diamondback Bikes' 32-hour workweek: A bold step forward for employee well-being. Diamondback Bikes. [3] Farrell, S., & Gratton, L. (2019). The four-day week: Designing work around a life, not life around work. Harvard Business Review. [4] Pfeffer, J. (2021). The four-day workweek is a disaster waiting to happen. The Washington Post. [5] Boston College Center for Work & Family. (2019). The 4-Day Workweek: A Pilot Project. Boston College Center for Work & Family. [6] Price, J. (2021). The four-day workweek isn't a cure-all for American workers. The New York Times. [7] Sparrow, J. (2021). The four-day workweek: A solution to what ails us? The New York Times. [8] Kickstarter. (2021). Kickstarter to pilot a four-day workweek in 2022. Kickstarter.
