The idea of a four-day workweek has been gaining popularity. Around the world, companies and governments are experimenting with this alternative to the traditional five-day workweek. 

The pandemic shifted workers’ mindsets. Individuals began to value time with families, loved ones and selves over time at the office. People also began to recognize how fragile we are as humans and how we never know what tomorrow may bring. 

While the idea may seem too good to be true, evidence suggests that a four-day workweek could benefit employees and employers. In this blog post, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of the four-day workweek and why this new model might be worth considering. 

The nonprofit 4 Day Week Global has conducted four-day workweek pilots in several countries. They found that job performance stayed the same during a shortened workweek, staff stress levels fell, and team engagement and work-life balance significantly improved.  

Other studies found similar benefits. Eighty-three percent of respondents to an Eagle Hill Consulting study said a four-day workweek would alleviate burnout. Meanwhile, 94% of American job seekers want a four-day workweek, according to a Joblist survey.  

In 2022, a six-month trial of a shortened workweek found that businesses reported improved productivity and team morale. Workers reported better health, finances and relationships. The success of trial runs has pushed some companies to implement a permanent four-day schedule. 

There are clear benefits to a four-day workweek: improved work-life balance, increased productivity, reduced absenteeism and sick days, enhanced employee retention and recruitment, and even environmental benefits. Let’s look a little more closely at each.  

Improved Work-Life Balance 

A four-day workweek gives employees more time to focus on their personal lives, hobbies and interests. This can lead to reduced stress levels, better mental health and increased job satisfaction. When employees are more content, they are likely to be more productive and engaged at work. 

Increased Productivity 

Contrary to popular belief, longer hours do not necessarily lead to more productivity. Studies have shown that overworked employees are more likely to make mistakes and experience burnout, leading to decreased productivity and job satisfaction. Working fewer hours can help employees focus on workplace operations and be more productive. A shortened week can help employees work more efficiently. 

Reduced Absenteeism and Sick Days 

Employees who have more time to recharge, rest and practice self-care may be less likely to take unplanned time off due to illness and burnout. Companies save money on leave while also improving team morale and productivity. 

Enhanced Employee Retention and Recruitment 

A four-day workweek can help set a company apart from competitors to attract and retain top talent. It can also lead to increased employee loyalty and commitment to the organization. 

Environmental Benefits 

Reducing the number of days employees commute to work lessens traffic and air pollution. This helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, leading to a healthier planet for everyone. 

There are quite a few benefits to the four-day workweek. However, there are some potential downsides as well, including a potential loss of productivity, an increased workload on non-workdays and possible impact on pay and benefits. Additionally, a shorter week not being suitable for all industries or jobs. 

Potential Loss of Productivity 

Reducing the work week by one day does not necessarily reduce the amount of work that needs to be done. Employers must carefully redistribute workloads to ensure business operations are not negatively affected.  

Some may argue that a four-day week may hurt workplace productivity. However, several companies actually found no loss of productivity when experimenting with a short work week. 

Increased Workload on Non-Workdays 

Employees may need to work longer hours on their workdays to compensate for the loss of a day unless your company decides to work a 32-hour 4-day week rather than a 40-hour 4-day week. The latter may mean longer workdays, four 10-hour days, for example, increased fatigue and reduced work-life balance on workdays. 

One way to mitigate this is to simply stretch hours over a longer period of time. This may mean pushing back deadlines rather than cramming everything into longer days. The four-day workweek is meant to help folks take their time back, not to squeeze as much as you can out of employees. 

Possible Impact on Pay and Benefits 

Reduced work hours may result in a reduction in pay or benefits. However, employers can responsibly implement a four-day workweek by maintaining current benefits.  

Many employees are overworked and underpaid to begin with, so maintaining the same compensation and benefits for employees helps prioritize their health and needs. This also emphasizes that your company recognizes the hard work employees have done. An extra day off without sacrificing benefits or compensation is a surefire way to relieve employee stress. 

Not Suitable for All Industries or Jobs 

Jobs that require round-the-clock operations, customer service or other time-sensitive tasks may face challenges in implementing a reduced work week without affecting service levels or productivity. To mitigate this issue, companies may consider hiring more employees to cover fewer hours. 

While a four-day workweek may not be feasible for every company or industry, it has clear benefits. By improving work-life balance, increasing productivity, reducing absenteeism, and benefiting the environment, a four-day workweek can be a win-win for employees and employers. 

Employers considering a four-day workweek should evaluate its potential benefits and challenges, then consult relevant stakeholders, including employees and management, to make informed decisions. 

As more companies experiment with this idea, we may see a shift towards a new reward and sustainable work model. For some, the five-day workweek is already a relic. Some things may feel impossible to change, but it is important to remember that in the 1900s, workers pushed for what they thought was impossible, moving from a six-day work week to a five-day work week.