Why a 4 Day Work Week is the future

Employees enjoy higher job satisfaction, Employers benefit from increased work output; what’s not to love? Government-backed studies from various countries suggest that the 4 day work week model is not only “enough”, but also may be superior to the 5 day system.

This model benefits both employers and workers equally. It’s directly linked to higher job satisfaction and more productive work sessions. For one, it presents a new, innovative alternative to the current work culture. Employees in high-pressure industries also get to be away from the office environment more often, increasing their well-being and potentially reducing staff turnover. 

Benefits of the 4 Day Week Model

The 4 day week model will innovate the workplace by challenging the societal norms. Trials show that reduced work hours not only lower staff stress level, but also increase work-life balance scores. Reports from the four-day week trial in the U.K, which has more than 100 companies participating, also suggest there is no loss in productivity.

The Flexibility this work model offers aims to foster a dynamic, progressive work environment for all. And it does so whilst enhancing both productivity and job satisfaction. With a four day week, employees are less likely to be overworked. It cuts down on work pressure. And it gives workers the opportunity to spend more time doing the things they love.

How Does the 4 Day Work Week Model Benefit Employers?

Additionally, employers also benefit from this system. 4 Day Week Global conducted several trials. They show that reduced working hours helped 63% of businesses attract and retain talented employees; A dynamic workplace fuels higher job satisfaction rates and this can improve staff loyalty. And, as mentioned, it also leads to lower stress levels, which can help improve health.

With a four day work week, employees will have more down time to escape from work-related pressures. Reduced stress can enhance employee output, making them more productive and creative. With a shorter work week, employees are also less likely to take sick leave.

The 4 day work week also helps employers cut down on management costs, such as reduced monthly energy expenditure. Since the office is likely to be closed for one extra day, the electricity/management bills will also reflect this.

Environmental Benefits

One added bonus of a 4 day week is that it has a positive impact on the climate. The daily worker commute contributes a major share to global pollution levels. But with less cars on the road, the fuel consumption levels also drop. Add to that a reduction of office energy usage and the 4 day week has the potential to have a great impact in lowering emissions.

4 Day Work Week: How Does it Work?

A four day work week doesn’t necessarily look the same for all companies. Industry models and workplace structures vary. So do job requirements.

The true 4 day work week model consists of 80% of work, but 100% of pay. So, a typical work week will now consist of 32 working hours spread across 4 days. Some companies may even reduce the time to 28 hours a week.

However simply compressing 5 days of work into 4 does not equate to a 4 day work week. A workplace should instil a reduced work schedule to qualify for this system. Companies can also use other work-reduction models to improve work-life balance, depending on company policy.

For example, the workplace may also incorporate remote working options on top of the reduced working week. Whatever additional innovations are included, the ultimate goal of the 4 day week system is to improve the work-life balance of individuals for the benefit of both employees and employers.