The traditional five-day work week has long been the standard in most industries, but the shift towards a four-day work week has been gaining momentum. Even before the workplace upheaval that was COVID-19, the priority of reshaping the hours that people work and the way they work them was pushing its way to the top of the list for companies who realised they needed to offer more to retain their best performers.
As companies continue to seek ways to improve employee satisfaction, enhance productivity, and adapt to a post-pandemic world, this approach to work is offering compelling results. By reducing work hours without sacrificing productivity, forward thinking organisations are rethinking how to structure the modern work environment.
“Either you run the day, or the day runs you” – Jim Rohn
The Growing Popularity of the Four-Day Work Week
Over the past few years, the four-day work week has transitioned from an experimental idea to a growing trend, with more companies and even entire countries exploring its benefits. This shift is fueled by changing employee expectations and the broader focus on work-life balance, especially after the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Workers are increasingly prioritising their mental health, family time, and personal interests, demanding a better balance between work and life.
With the rise of remote work and flexible hours, the four-day work week has become a feasible model for many businesses. For employees, the prospect of a longer weekend is highly attractive, offering more time for rest, personal projects, and family activities. But what does the four-day work week mean for businesses?
4 Day Work Week Success Stories
Several companies have already adopted the four-day work week and seen positive results, both in terms of productivity and employee satisfaction. These case studies provide valuable insights into how the four-day work week can be implemented and the outcomes it can produce.
Between 2022 and 2024, several companies have successfully adopted a four-day workweek, enhancing employee well-being and maintaining productivity. Notable examples include:
- Lunio: This Manchester-based software company implemented a four-day workweek in March 2024 after a successful trial. Beth Lang, Head of People at Lunio, noted that during the trial, the company met its targets and maintained necessary coverage, leading to the permanent adoption of the reduced schedule.
- Fletcher’s: A popular restaurant chain in Plymouth, Fletcher’s transitioned its front-of-house staff to a four-day workweek in late May 2024. This change aimed to provide employees with a better work-life balance, reflecting the company’s commitment to staff well-being.
- Awin: A global affiliate marketing platform, Awin conducted an 18-month trial of a four-day workweek across its 1,300-member workforce in 17 offices. The trial was successful, leading to the permanent adoption of the reduced schedule.
- Buffer: A software company known for its social-media toolkits, Buffer launched a four-day workweek pilot program to support the well-being and mental health of its 89-person team. After two years of working on a shortened timetable, 91% of Buffer employees reported being happier and more productive.
These examples illustrate the growing trend of companies embracing a four-day workweek to foster a healthier work environment without compromising productivity.
Key Benefits of the Four-Day Work Week
From these case studies, several key benefits of a four-day work week emerge. These include:
- Improved Productivity: By condensing work hours, employees become more focused and efficient. With less time available, workers often find ways to streamline tasks, prioritise important projects, and avoid unnecessary meetings and distractions.
- Better Employee Well-being: Giving employees an extra day off can significantly reduce burnout and stress, improving overall mental health. The additional day allows for more personal time, which can lead to higher job satisfaction and retention rates.
- Attraction of Top Talent: In today’s competitive job market, offering flexible working conditions can help businesses attract skilled employees. The four-day work week is especially appealing to those seeking a better work-life balance.
- Environmental Benefits: With fewer employees commuting and less office energy usage, a four-day work week can contribute to a company’s sustainability goals by reducing its carbon footprint.
Challenges to Consider
Despite the many benefits, moving to a four-day work week may present some challenges for some. Not all industries or job roles are suited for this model. For example, customer-facing roles or industries with strict deadlines may require more in-office hours. Additionally, some companies may struggle with maintaining communication and collaboration among teams when employees are working fewer days.
To address these challenges, companies must carefully plan the transition and consider factors such as work culture, task management, and employee needs. Leaders should prioritise transparency, trust, and clear communication to ensure that the new model is implemented smoothly.
The four-day work week is no longer a distant dream but an achievable reality for many businesses. By looking at case studies from companies like Microsoft Japan, Assemblo, and even Iceland’s nationwide trial, we can see that a shorter work week has the potential to boost productivity, improve employee satisfaction, and enhance business outcomes. As the work landscape continues to evolve, the four-day work week could very well become the new standard for a healthier, more efficient workforce.
For businesses considering making the shift, the key lies in careful planning, clear communication, and a focus on creating a work environment where employees can thrive both professionally and personally.
