The bank holiday effect and the 4 day work week

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The notion of working less always seems like a progressive idea. We like that kind of progress. To work less and play more without running out of cash is the holy grail for lifestyle gurus all over the planet, although something considered the lifestyle reserved for the super-wealthy. We seem to get a bit stuck in this idea that the only determinant of your freedom is the size of you bank balance and that the rest of “normal” society has to slog away for two days off, of which four collective hours are spent in Tesco and 6 hours are already destroyed thinking about the coming Monday.  Take a look at why a 4 day work week could be the answer.

The Bank Holiday Effect explained

We all love to work. I mean, we actually do get a huge buzz from doing something productive with our time and most of us would probably be excruciatingly bored just sitting at home every day doing nada. We also freaking love a bank holiday weekend more than life itself. 

Some wise souls argue that we become so emotional over the thought of a forthcoming bank holiday that it is because it is such a rare beast compared to our European counterparts. This is only partly true; our continental colleagues enjoy a rare long-weekend as much as the rest of us. Universally, it is defined by the glimmering oasis of Friday beers that seem like Thursday beers, empty BBQ and beer shelves in the supermarkets, friends, family, films, that Sunday trip to the park without thinking about the apocalypse… you know the feeling. 

Would we get bored of a bank holiday every week? This is a question akin to asking if we’d get bored on the first day of a summer holiday. I think not.

How flexiwork, works 

Flexi work models can look different from business to business. Some companies provide a shorter working week but maintain the standard 40-hour total, others simply reduce the hours worked per day or incorporate remote and home-working. Whatever the model, the option to work flexible hours can prove a key factor in both attracting the best talent and maximising their productivity. Employees get to spend more time with family and friends, enjoying hobbies and socialising. Employers get more motivated staff who take fewer sick days and are less likely to leave for another company. It really is win, win. The positive impact on a company, Henry Ford would attest, can be enormous.