The What:
The four-day workweek focuses on enhancing well-being and productivity, resulting in higher business efficiency.
It’s s 100-80-100 model. People receive of their pay – work 80% of the time – and get 100% of the work done.
It’s not simply an additional day off. It’s a structured approach to sustaining productivity, meeting customer service expectations, and achieving individual and team objectives.
The Why:
Pilot studies worldwide provide strong evidence supporting reduced working hours.
Research indicates that a 20% reduction in work hours correlates with improved health, well-being, and productivity.
Results from the UK four-day week pilot:
- Revenue increased by 35%
- Staff turnover decreased by 57%
- Stress levels dropped by 39%
- 71% reported lower burnout
- Reduced anxiety and fatigue
- Improved mental and physical health
- 92% of participants opted to continue
These findings demonstrate significant benefits for both employees and businesses.
The How:
First, hold an internal workshop to help identify what the challenges will be and what you need to do to prepare. Here are our key suggestions.
💻 Reduce and restructure your internal meetings to balance using time well with staying connected and supporting a positive culture
🎧 Schedule daily ‘deep work’ sessions where all notifications are switched off and focus for 90 minutes
📝 Focus on increasing efficiency in your processes, planning and project management
☎️ Communicate openly with internal teams, partners and clients to explain how you will work, with minimum disruption to your services/availability
🗣️ Streamline your use of Slack for internal comms to ensure relevant people could stay up to date with projects when they come back after a day off
😊 Use software such as Loopin to monitor employee mood and engagement
🗓️ Create a rota to cover 5 days a week so your team is available to clients and partners
🤖 Utilise AI and automation to leverage the benefits of streamlined processes, giving you more time for creativity and what we do best as humans
🎓 Run internal lunch and learn sessions about neuroscience, attention, focus and productivity
📧 Simple email signatures let people know if you’re off and how to get in touch with the team
Then continue to review how you work and try new things.
Conclusion:
Work structures continue to evolve.
In the 1920s, the shift from a six-day to a five-day workweek was seen as progressive. It later became the standard.
The four-day week may follow the same trajectory, offering a balance between work and well-being without economic drawbacks.
The transition will get harder before it gets better. Adjusting to an extra day off each week will not reap immediate benefits.
However, over three months, you will feel better rested, less stressed, and more focused. Productivity will remain consistent, with the same work completed in less time.
Advancements in AI and automation are already reshaping work schedules. Increased efficiency may even eventually enable a three-day workweek, redefining productivity and time management.
