Is a 4-Day Workweek Possible for My Company?

Thank God it’s…Thursday?

A recent study by independent researchers at Boston College, University College Dublin, and Cambridge University suggests that the four-day workweek may become the new normal. Study participants allowed their employees to enjoy a 32-hour workweek for six months and saw overwhelmingly positive outcomes without making pay cuts—proving shorter workweeks can be beneficial.

“Revenue has risen. Sick days and absenteeism are down. Companies are hiring. Resignations fell,” researchers said of the results. Out of 27 businesses, only one reported adverse outcomes compared to 18 who committed to continuing four-day workweeks after the study.

Workers also responded enthusiastically. Ninety-seven percent of employees expressed a desire to continue the program, 51% saw an increase in ability, and 49% experienced more control over their schedule.

These results are far from unique, as emerging research is producing similar results across the board. According to early adopters, the benefits of a four-day workweek are strong enough for your company to consider making the switch.

4-Day Workweek Advantages

Work-Life Balance

Burnout, mental health, and stress management remain underappreciated aspects of managing a workforce—and many companies are falling short. A survey of over 20,000 people by Microsoft showed a staggering 48% of workers get burned out on the job. Burned-out employees are less productive, produce lower-quality work, and are more likely to quit, costing companies like yours $190 billion annually.

Taking a day off allows workers to pursue activities that bring them joy and satisfaction. This could include developing hobbies, spending quality time with family or friends, taking care of pets, or engaging in meaningful relationships. Happy employees make for an enjoyable work atmosphere and are much more likely to drive success at your organization, which can have potential long-term financial benefits.

Productivity Gains

While shorter workweeks imply lower productivity, they actually appear to produce better results.

Early adopters, like Kickstarter’s Chief Strategic Officer Jon Leland, claim that the four-day workweek has been a win-win.

“Staff are more focused, more engaged, and more dedicated, helping us hit our goals better than before,” he said.

The Society for Human Resource Management claims that 60% of companies who try four-day workweeks see increased productivity, with productivity increases as high as 40% reported by Microsoft Japan.

Condensed workweeks don’t amplify stressors like work pace or workload either. Instead of feeling dread on Monday mornings, employers return to work relaxed, recharged, and ready to tackle objectives at a comfortable tempo.

Lowered Expenses

Implementing a shorter workweek could create company-wide savings, especially when combined with other changes, like hybrid/remote work. These benefits include less energy usage, lowered consumption of office supplies, reduced transportation costs, and increased availability for child care and medical appointments outside work hours.

Read More: In-Office, Remote, or Hybrid Work: Which One is Best?

Attracting Talent

The best employees take the best opportunities. Highlighting a four-day workweek on job postings will grab the attention of top-tier prospects looking for benefits that go beyond salary.

Read More: 30 Employee Perk Ideas to Attract and Retain Employees

4-Day Workweek Disadvantages

Not For Everyone

One size does not fit all. Your business will have to consider the specific demands of your industry to determine if you can accomplish everything on a new schedule.

For example, companies that must be open five days a week may need more employees to keep things running when everyone is taking an additional day off. Customer-focused businesses that need all-hands-on-deck, five days a week, should proceed with caution.

Increasing daily hours to compensate may also affect workers negatively. A ten-hour workday places time restraints on activities like hitting the gym, picking kids up from practice, housework, or whatever commitments people have before or after work.

Complicated Scheduling

The four-day workweek can create situations where everyone is on a different schedule or timetables that don’t match work demands. In particular, it may be difficult to organize meetings on the fly, respond to emergencies as they happen, or communicate effectively.

Payroll may also face new challenges. For example, if someone needs to go into the office on a Friday after working four 10-hour shifts Monday through Thursday, they could trigger overtime pay and cost your business money.

It’s still the early days of the four-day workweek, at least in the United States. Changing the established 5-day workweek culture will take time. But if your company is flexible enough to adapt, there may be significant benefits to making the switch, including higher morale, better productivity, and increased revenue.

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