A Look at a Four-Day Workweek

There has been a lot of talk about ways how to get more productivity from your staff. One idea floated a few years ago was reducing the number of days people work to four. Now, if you think, “How does working one less day improve worker productivity?” you aren’t alone. Listed below is a look at the benefits of a four-day workweek.

100-80-100

Four-day workweek advocates talk of the 100-80-100 theory. This theory states that employees get 100 percent of their work done in 80 percent of the time while earning 100 percent of their pay. Advocates say that this can be done pretty simply by cutting the number of meetings that an employee has to attend and more conscientiously using technology to get people the resources they need to be extra productive, allowing for what is viewed in many circles as an aggressive scheduling policy.

The basis behind the four-day change is that studies show that people get burnt out when they don’t get a chance to enjoy their lives outside of work. Business often affects people’s mental and physical health and can cause organizational problems. To be the best business possible, your employees must be productive. Happy workers can go a long way towards meeting that goal. 

Variables You Need to Consider 

You need to consider several variables before considering a four-day workweek for your employees. Here are a few:

• Industry Type - Certain industries may find it easier to adopt a four-day workweek due to the nature of their work and flexibility. In contrast, others, such as retail or healthcare, may face more challenges due to operational requirements.
• Company Culture and Policy - Company culture and existing policies play a significant role in your ability to offer a four-day workweek. Businesses with a flexible and adaptive culture may find it easier to implement changes than those with more rigid considerations.
• Productivity and Efficiency - One of the major considerations is whether a four-day workweek will maintain or enhance productivity. Studies have shown mixed results, with some indicating increased productivity due to improved work-life balance and employee morale, while others suggest potential drawbacks like longer workdays and reduced efficiency.
• Financial Implications - Employers need to assess the financial implications of a four-day workweek, including potential costs associated with restructuring schedules, overtime pay, and changes in productivity.
• Customer Support - Meeting customer demands for support may be challenging for industries that regularly face customers, such as retail or hospitality.
• Geographic and Cultural Factors - Cultural attitudes towards work and leisure time vary across regions, impacting the acceptance and effectiveness of a four-day workweek.

The fact that such a large percentage of businesses are considering the viability of a four-day workweek gives credence to how it can positively affect a business. For more great business and technology content, stop back to our blog soon.