Everyone likes to take a break after a long week at work. The weekend is a time to do some shopping, spend time with family and friends, watch an interesting movie and get some sleep. However, after 2 days, we often still feel unsatisfied due to insufficient time to rest or do all our chores.
But what if the weekend had three days, and we worked 4 days a week? How would this affect our work, commitment, earnings, and well-being? In this article, you can learn about the pros and cons of working 4 days a week and read what companies and countries choose this option.
Some employers who have decided to introduce this system have simply removed one day from the work week, adding the missing hours to the other days. In practice, it looks like instead of working 8 hours each for five days, employees work 10 hours each, receiving a day off in return. In some cases, the working hours remained the same, but the payout or employee benefits received may have changed, but on an optional basis. This gives employees one more day to recharge their batteries and return to work at full strength.
Advantages of 4-day working week
1. Increased motivation
As we all know, a rested person is a happy and hard-working person. One of the benefits of a 4-day working week is much greater motivation and enthusiasm for work of employees. This can be interpreted, by them, as support from the company. The four-day workweek can be one of the additional employee benefits that you can distinguish yourself from the competition, and at the same time, you will gain the respect and motivation of your employees.
2. Cost savings
The absence of employees from the company means that you don't need to heat the building, use office or kitchen equipment, provide coffee or meals, and many other money-consuming things. This one day off can significantly reduce your company's expenses and help you to save that money for growth.
3. Less sick leaves
There is also the health benefits of a 4 day work week. Your employee has much more time to recuperate and take care of personal matters, such as doctor's appointments. Introducing this system, can significantly reduce the number of leaves taken by employees and improve their overall well-being. Additionally, people will have the chance to take more care of their mental health. Spending more time with family and friends can significantly improve their well-being.
4. Increased productivity
Overworked and tired employees contribute less to the company than those full of strength and enthusiasm for work. Studies show that working 4 days a week increases productivity not by 20 percent, but almost 40! Your employees may also thank you by showing more job satisfaction, working more effectively in a team, and having a better work - life balance.
5. Promoting work-life balance
Bringing domestic troubles and worries to work, can distract your cruisers and make them do much less work than they normally would. Another one of the benefits of a 4 day work week is increasing your employee's work to life balance. Giving them the opportunity to spend more time with family or friends can make them focus only on their duties at work instead of their personal lives. It will also significantly increase their productivity, efficiency, and willingness to engage.
6. A smaller carbon footprint
Skipping one day of work can also have a significant impact on the environment. By doing so, your employees reduce the emissions that are emitted when commuting by car. In addition, electricity consumption is reduced, so as a form you can reduce some expenses.
7. More interested potential employees
Employee benefits are a welcome addition included in a job offer. Four day workweek can be a dealbreaker for most of the potential employees. Upfront, it shows the confidence the employer has in his team, showing that he knows they can handle their responsibilities despite fewer workdays. Encouraging new talent to join your company can help it grow, and as we all know, growth is a natural part of our world.
Disadvantages of working 4 days a week
1. It doesn't suit every business model
Unfortunately, this system does not fit every company or organization. Often it is impossible to reduce the work week by one day because it is impossible to switch the entire business system. This could involve huge losses and deterioration of people's living or working conditions. You need to think carefully about whether working 4 days a week suits your company and whether it will bring you more profits than losses.
2. Longer hours and additional stress
Some companies, in order to continue working the same number of hours per week, get rid of one work day and spread it out over the remaining days. This can cause employees to have to work up to 10 hours a day instead of 8, which can discourage them and cause more work-related stress.
3. Less availability to customers
With the introduction of a four-day work week, some customers may also suffer. Usually, the extra day off is introduced on Friday or Monday. Your job is to take care of your customers' needs, and subtracting one day during which meetings, meetings, or presentations can take place can cause a lot of trouble or even loss of customers.
4. Not every person is the same
There are different types of people, and nowhere is it said that this system will appeal to everyone. You need to carefully understand the needs of your employees and determine whether everyone will feel comfortable with the changes.
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Countries that have introduced a four day work week system
Work 4 days a week gained popularity during the COVID-19 - 19 pandemic. Countries wanted to support entrepreneurs and companies by giving them various benefits. Many countries introduced the system as a test of its effectiveness. A few where it has proven successful are Belgium, the UK, Scotland, Wales, Japan, and Iceland. Other countries such as Germany, Spain, and New Zealand are in the testing phase of this system, but it is yielding a very positive outcome.
For example, in the UK four day workweek after the testing phases was considered an enormous success. Dozens of companies were involved in a six-month test program to study the impact of the extra day off on employees and the company. The pilot in the UK is one of few in the world run by 4 Day Week Global. Similar programs also exist in the United States, Ireland, Canada, and Australia.
4 day work week - companies
Here are a few examples of companies with 4 day work weeks:
- Panasonic
- Uncharted
- Nectafy
- thredUp
There are no specific jobs with 4 day work week. Each company, after analyzing the pros and cons, can decide on the introduction of this system. However, you will often find that a four-day workweek is used in companies working remotely or hybrid. However, this is not a rule and should not be suggested. You can search the internet for jobs with 4 day work week and try to submit a resume.
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