As employees continue to search for a better work-life balance, the concept of a four-day workweek is gaining momentum. This schedule allows employees to work fewer hours while maintaining their salary and benefits. While this method of working hasn’t been globally embraced, recent studies show a good adoption rate in the trials that were carried out with over 70 companies.
A four-day workweek is an arrangement where a workplace has its employees work, over the course of four days per week rather than the more customary five. This arrangement can be a part of flexible working hours and is sometimes used to cut costs.
In the pilot program that kicked off in June 2022, 3000 staff started working four days a week in what was described as the world’s biggest pilot scheme, comprising of over 70 companies in Britain.
Few of the companies that took part in this program are:
Rivelin Robotics – Software
Royal Society of Biology – Charity
Salamandra.uk – Animation
Scotland’s International Development Alliance – Charity
Secure Digital Exchange Ltd – IT
This is an interesting initiative towards a healthier work-life balance, and about 95 per cent of the companies surveyed said productivity had either stayed the same or improved since the introduction of the policy. The majority of positive comments surrounding this study was higher employee satisfaction and retention rates, while a more than likely downside is the potential for burnout if employees work longer hours to compensate for the shorter work week.
A four-day workweek has a bunch of benefits, including improved work-life balance, increased and focused productivity, better mental health, and lower carbon footprint. However, it also has its drawbacks, such as decreased customer service availability and potential burnout.
If done right, a four-day workweek can lead to happier and more productive employees, resulting in a more successful business.
