Rumours of a four-day work week being part of the UK government's new workers' rights package are causing a stir across the country. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, a renewed focus has been on flexible working and its impact on well-being, productivity and innovation. In 2023, businesses across the UK were invited to participate in a new trial of a four-day working week. The campaigners hope to encourage the Labour government to back the movement. The new trial follows the major success of a six-month pilot in 2022, which saw a lot of benefits in employee well-being. This will make 56 of the 61 participating companies plan to switch to a four-day work week permanently. This new trial of the UK's four-day work week campaign is building momentum for labour and companies.
What is the four-day work week?
The four-day working week reduces maximum working hours from 48 to 32 hours per week. It reduces working hours without a reduction in pay. Many proponents claim that it can improve work-life balance and increase productivity. However, many oppose the idea of a four-day working week. Also, some critics raise concerns about its feasibility and drawbacks. It is unsuitable for all industries, and they can not easily shift to this model. The best example is the service industry; with reduced hours, it is difficult to maintain customer service.
Proponents of the Four-Day Work Week
Many proponents of a four-day work week say it offers many benefits, such as:
It helps to improve work-life balance
A four-day work week can improve employees' work-life balance and give them extra time to spend with family or pursue hobbies. The employees can rest and recharge, which improves overall well-being and job satisfaction.
It can reduce work stress and prevent burnout
A four-day work week can reduce the number of working days, alleviating stress and improving mental health. It also helps prevent employee burnout as they have more time for physical activities.
It can increase productivity
Many think a reduced number of working days can decrease production. However, proponents claim that a four-day work week can increase productivity. This is because employees can work more efficiently and with greater focus to maintain or even exceed their output in fewer hours.
It has more attraction and retention
A four-day work week can make companies more attractive to top talent. It improve employee retention rates, reducing turnover costs. Employees highly valued flexible working arrangements and a better work-life balance.
It is good for the environment
A four-day workweek is good for the environment as it reduces carbon emissions. Fewer commuting days can lower carbon emissions, and a decrease in energy consumption at the workplace can lower the company's carbon footprint.
Case Studies and Experiments
Many countries and companies use this four-day work week as a trial and experiment. Here are a few examples of case studies and experiments.
Microsoft Japan
In 2019, Microsoft Japan used this four-day work week for a month as an experiment. They reduce the work week to four days, keeping salaries the same. The company reported a 40% increase in productivity. Also, they observed higher employee satisfaction and reduced energy costs.
Iceland
Iceland used this four-day work week between 2015 and 2019 as the world's largest trial of a shorter working week. It involves more than 2,500 workers in both public and private sectors. They found that productivity remained the same or improved in most workplaces while employee well-being increased significantly.
Perpetual Guardian New Zealand
Perpetual Guardian is a management company that implemented a four-day work week as a trial in 2018. They observe a 20% increase in productivity, and employees are happier with a four-day work week. The company made the change permanent as it reduced stress and increased production.
Treehouse
It is an online education company that was the first to adopt a four-day work week in 2013. The company reported that they see employees were happier, more focused, and more productive compared to a traditional five-day work week. Treehouse has continued with this work week model.
Concerns and Challenges
The four-day work week has promising effects on production and employees' well-being but has some concerns and challenges. Here are a few of the concerns and challenges:
It has limitations for many industries
A four-day work week is not the best model for many industries (healthcare, customer service, and manufacturing). It is difficult for them to implement a four-day work week. This is because they need more working hours and days for continuous operations.
It may increase workload
A four-day work week model has few days for the same amount of work, which can lead to increased workload and stress. The employees have a short time to complete their tasks, which makes them feel stressed.
Initial adjustment time is required
When a company shift to a four-day work week, managers and employees need time to get used to it. They have to make new work and time management plans. It may take some time, which can affect the production.
It is not fair for all employees
Not all employees may benefit from a four-day work week. It is not implemented for those who are part-time employees (caregivers).
It is unsuitable for small businesses
A four-day work week model is not good for small businesses and startups. It can increase labour costs, which impacts profit and turnover. They need to hire additional staff to cover reduced hours.
Strategies for Successful Implementation
Here are a few strategies to help you adopt a four-day work week.
Use it as a trial
Using a four-day work week as a trial can help companies to test its feasibility. They can observe its effects, which helps identify issues and adapt them with little changes.
Flexible scheduling
Many companies can adopt a four-day work week by offering flexible scheduling (such as staggered work weeks or compressed hours). It can accommodate employees and different industries and maintain productivity or services.
Have clear communication with employees
Talk to your employees about the transition to a four-day work week. Discuss expectations, goals, and challenges with them so they can understand and adapt to the new schedule.
Improve your employees' focus
Improve your employees' focus by minimizing distractions and providing time management techniques training. It can improve efficiency and production. Employees will know how to work more in their reduced hours.
Monitor and Adjust
Continuously monitoring the impact of a four-day work week and gathering feedback from employees can help for improvement. Making necessary adjustments based on feedback can help successfully implement the four-day work week.