Is a Four Day Work Week Coming?

The gap between demanding working weeks and restful weekends can feel unfair. For the modern employee, striking the desired work-life balance is easier said than done.

What can be done to enhance the lives of workers and stave off burnout?

The answer may lie in shorter work weeks. 

In this article, we explore how a four-day work week could benefit employees and businesses and discuss potential drawbacks. We also ask the big question: when can we expect real change? Read on for more information.

Why Should We Revisit the 40-Hour Workweek?

Henry Ford, the pioneer of the first successful 40-hour workweek, famously said, 'The five-day workweek isn't the ultimate, and neither is eight hours.'

These powerful words have since transformed the working world, enabling people to pursue lives beyond work, nurture their hobbies, and spend time with their families.

While the 40-hour workweek once formed the bedrock of modern working, it no longer mirrors our tech-driven, 21st-century lives. The traditional five-day work schedule is out of step with the rapidly evolving information age that defines how we work.

Throughout history, world events have consistently altered work patterns, with the pandemic being the most recent catalyst for workplace reform. Why? Because the pandemic and the shift to remote work may have changed not only how people did their jobs, but also how they felt about them.

Consequently, many employees are reevaluating their priorities, prompting employers to adapt. For those looking to retain staff and attract top working talent, improving work flexibility and working conditions is a must.

What Would a 4 Day Work Week Look Like?

Some companies that have employed four day work weeks use the 100-80-100 model.

This approach is straightforward: employees are expected to maintain 100% productivity for 80% of their time, while continuing to receive their full pay. In practice, this means staff manage their previous workload and productivity levels over fewer hours —typically between 32 and 36— without experiencing any significant pay cuts.

However, not without its challenges, this model is subject to abuse and deliberate misinterpretation. Concerns might lie in businesses cramming a 40 hour work week into four days. This may result in a potentially burned-out and unhappy workforce - the very thing this approach aims to prevent.

Which Countries Work Four Day Weeks?

Taking the lead, Iceland became the first country to implement four day work weeks. Between 2015 and 2019, Iceland's Association for Sustainable Democracy (Alda) conducted the world's largest work experiment. This groundbreaking study involved 2,500 participants across multiple industries and aimed to establish a link between reduced working hours and improved productivity.

By and large, the trial yielded successful outcomes that led to long-term benefits like improved worker well-being, focus and high business performance.

Motivated by Iceland's success, other European countries, like Spain, have considered 4 day work weeks. Moreover, Belgium's multi-coalition government is taking impactful steps to improve the country's workplace conditions. Notably, they've introduced four-day workweeks in offices and a "right to disconnect policy", allowing employees to log off after hours without repercussions.

Turning our attention to the United Kingdom, Wales will launch their version of a trial in 2023, with Scotland considering something similar.

Across North America, a massive trial study involving approximately 38 companies is underway, which is expected to last several months.

Further south, ex-New Zealand's prime minister Jacinda Ardern has flagged the benefits of four-day weeks and advocates for greater flexible workplace freedoms.

Even Japan, a country notorious for overworking, is also reevaluating the impact of shorter workweeks. Microsoft Japan and Panasonic have already joined the trend, having pioneered their own four-day workweek setups.

What Are the Benefits of a Four Day Work Week?

Embracing a four-day workweek setup benefits companies and employees in the following ways.

1. Increased Productivity

It may seem counterintuitive, but working less may lead to better performance. People are less likely to waste company resources and time when there are fewer hours in a workday.

Moreover, overworking might backfire by negatively impacting productivity. Results from a Stanford University study, which examined the relationship between working hours and productivity, found a massive drop in productivity among workers who exceed 50 working hours. The takeaway? A workaholic lifestyle doesn't pay off. Companies that require overtime may not achieve the expected returns.

Employees who frequently burn the midnight oil only stand to gain sleep deprivation and an uptick in work errors. Similarly, our brains can't concentrate for eight consecutive hours, especially in the digital age, with online distractions vying for our attention.

2. A Happier Team

Being at the office a few hours less equates to a greater work-life balance and potentially happier employees. Work teams might also feel refreshed and equipped to handle the challenges of a new week after three days away from work.

3. Healthier Employees

Employees who aren't chronically overworked are less likely to get sick.

Simultaneously, not working overtime reduces risks of mental burnout, depression, and exhaustion.

4. The Financial Incentives

Arguments for three day weekends include increased staff productivity, improved worker engagement, and an effective workforce.

There are also cost-saving incentives linked to short work weeks. By closing shop one day earlier, businesses could save money by reducing their electricity usage and printing costs, and curbing other operational costs.

The Case Against a Four Day Work Week

There are flaws in a four-day work week that every business should consider.

1. Reluctant Staff Members

Despite its widespread support, not everyone embraces four day work weeks.

For staff members who carefully balance their workload across five workdays, cramming their work week into four days might seem overwhelming.

Additionally, reducing hours might inadvertently lead to less time for breaks, socialising and fun if the focus is on being productive. It's essential to avoid sacrificing workplace culture while chasing ambitious weekly goals.

2. Not a One Size Fits All Model

While four day work weeks are appealing for many, they may not be practical in every situation and for certain businesses.

If shorter workweeks lead to staff being unavailable to meet customer demand, it can harm the business and result in unhappy clients.

However, four-day workweeks can be adapted to maintain both customer satisfaction and employee wellbeing.

One approach is to alternate employees' schedules. While this change might not allow for a conventional Monday to Thursday work week or offer three consecutive off days, it still gives workers an extra free day.

3. Might Result in People Being Overworked Anyway In an ideal world, a four day week would mean fewer working hours while maintaining the same productivity and salary.

Unfortunately, four day work week can be interpreted in unhealthy ways, such as attempting to fit 40 hours of work into four exhausting days. Being expected to work long hours can be especially taxing, particularly when it misaligns with the needs of working parents.

Tips for Achieving a Four Day Work Week Successfully

Rushing into a four day work week can lead to complications if the transition isn't planned well. Here's how to execute your four-day week smoothly and effectively.

1. Determine Your Organisation's Needs

Though a four-day workweek might sound ideal, is it practical for your business or what your staff actually wants?

While a four-day workweek might seem like a great incentive to offer workers, four day work weeks might conflict with your business practices and expectations.

2. Ask Your Staff What They Want

Other than three-days off work weekly, employees might value different rewards or types of workplace flexibility. Additionally, not everyone will want longer weekends if it means burning themselves out to meet tighter deadlines. You might also discover that your staff work five days anyway just to keep up, which defeats the point of a four day work week.

How Far Away Are We From Achieving a Four-Day Workweek?

A four day work week signals excellent strides toward achieving greater work flexibility and freedom, but it might not be the silver bullet you're looking for.

Exercising caution is crucial. Though numerous countries and thousands of companies might have four day work weeks, it's yet to be widely practised and far from a perfect model.

That being said, now's the best time to experiment with four day work trials. The pandemic has opened our minds to new working methods following months of forced WFH situations.

At the same time, lockdowns and hybrid working have redefined our collective thoughts on productivity. Being productive doesn't mean a five-day week under constant surveillance, and that's why four-day workweeks in this business climate have a genuine chance of transitioning from an abstract concept into a reality.