The 4-day Workweek Experiment: Is It Here To Stay?
The latest research shows positive findings that working 4 days instead of 5 is better for both employees and employers.
The 4-day Workweek Experiment: Is It Here To Stay?
The study of organizational behavior and work culture fascinates me. Ever since our world was impacted abruptly in March 2020, I have observed how organizations worldwide have adapted to the changing work landscape and the increasing needs of workers. The effect of Covid-19 on the future of work is real, and the disruption will lead to continued rethinking and permanent change in the way we work.
If you are currently employed, chances are you want work-life balance, better well-being, positive mental health, and flexibility.
One thing we know for sure is that workers want to work fewer hours and they are convinced they can be just as effective in less time.
As an entrepreneur and business leader, I have long been in favor of increasing the benefits and flexibility of employees. By this, I don’t just mean health insurance, a retirement plan, or transportation allowance, which are all tax write-offs for the company. Workers spend around one-third of their lifetime working. They deserve innovation that benefits their mind/body and is truly sustainable for their well-being. If the employees are satisfied, the organizational culture will bring out the best in people and the outcome will show positive results on the bottom line.
I've often imagined an ideal work week consisting of 4 days a week (32 hours for a full-time employee), 4 mandatory paid weeks off (one each quarter) + 2 additional paid vacation weeks a year, and 2 paid weeks of sick leave. I have found that this is real in more than 200 companies today (see link at the end).
The real game-changer is not adjusting the week into 4 days and keeping the 40 hours. A 10-hour workday is not ideal. A truly shortened work week is 32 hours per week for full-time employees making the same salary they would regularly make 40 hours a week.
A new global study by 4 Day Week Global, a New Zealand-based nonprofit, released positive research findings in late 2022 that evidenced absolute success on a four-day workweek. There was an 8% productivity increase; employees reported less burnout, less fatigue, and increased physical health. The study consisted of 33 participating companies that employed 969 people based in the US, Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Canada. All adopted a four-day work week in a pilot program over a six-month period. The success is such that many companies are so pleased with the results in performance and productivity that they have already committed to continue with the 4 day week schedule. Another positive finding beyond increased company revenue is fewer sick days and absenteeism.
Now more than ever, workers have shown they can excel while working from home. In my opinion, the world was heading there, but it was a matter of time and research to validate it. The pandemic was the shortcut for going all remote and/or hybrid. Would it also be a catalyst to change the length of the work week?
Who doesn’t want to work fewer hours and have more days off work?
It turns out that when I became a parent, I was given superpowers no other parent had told me about. I quickly discovered that I could do in 2-3 hours, things that usually took an entire day. If you know me, I don't let time go waste, and once I get into flow mode, I am quick and swift to get it done. I have built on this and have learned to sleep more, take a daily nap, do breakfast and dinner (and most lunches) with my family, and have time to move my body, and take my toddler to the park or a walk while managing 3 businesses and occasional short projects. The takeaway here is not about me; it's about spending less time behind the computer (or phone) and cutting out all the fluff and time wasters in between. It’s Pareto on wheels. When we prioritize self-care and family first, we have more clarity and energy to tackle work assertively.
The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) endorsed the "32-Hour Workweek Act," first introduced by California Rep. Mark Takano in 2021 and supported by unions like the AFL-CIO and SEIU. CPC Chair Pramila Jayapal said in a statement: "It is past time that we put people and communities over corporations and their profits — finally prioritizing the health, well-being, and basic human dignity of the working class rather than their employers' bottom line."
I argue that many companies are discovering, not by choice but as a consequence of the pandemic, that: 1) the 5-hour work week is not the best for productivity, 2) a happy employee performs better and produces a better outcome, 3) employee well-being makes a change 4) remote work is feasible and effective, and 5) employee loyalty and satisfaction decreases turnover and the need for new hiring and training.
Benefits of a shorter workweek
An extra day for selfcare or to spend with your family.
A weekday to schedule personal appointments with your doctor, pediatrician (if you have children), nail salon, stylist or take care of government errands, car repairs, grocery shopping, etc.
Less spending reduces stress and helps save money and/or invest. Employees save on gas, tolls, lunch, snacks, vehicle wear and tear, public transport fees, daycare, etc.
Foster economic growth with another day to spend in their local economy.
Companies will find and retain better talent.
Companies will become a bit greener by reducing waste and energy consumption.
Companies will save on operational and building costs, i.e., electricity, water, wear and tear of equipment, maintenance, security, etc.
I believe that happy and healthy employees will become loyal teammates who produce better quality work in accordance with the company’s vision while sticking around for the long term.
What do you think of a four-day workweek? Would it be possible in your sector or industry? What other idea(s) for how work is organized can be implemented to benefit humans?
Further reading/listening:
271 companies worldwide on the 4-day work week (January 2023)
Listen: Dr. Adam Grant led a discussion on the science and practice of shorter work weeks with government, business, and academia leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Harvard Business Review: The Case for the 6 hour work day
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Your fellow human,
-Jorge Fusaro