The debate of a 4 day week got new attention when the Former Finnish Prime Minister, Sanna Marin, suggested a more flexible work schedule. One that included a four-day workweek and a six-hour workday. Is this a new step toward work culture or younger generations wanting better work-life balance? You can decide, but this debate is closely related to remote work, and a norm whereby flexible schedules are becoming the norm. But which model truly boosts productivity, morale, and long-term business outcomes?
Understanding the 4-Day Week
A 4 day week generally refers to when an employees work the same number of hours over fewer days or reduces total weekly hours. For instance, the 4 day working week cuts the work per week to 32 hours for the same benefits and pay. Research suggests that shortening the workweek can increase productivity, reduce burnout, and improve job satisfaction. Companies like Microsoft Japan and various startups have reported measurable gains in output and employee happiness during trial periods.
Moreover, those who flourished experienced the benefits of flexibility. But can a 4 day week lead to benefits for the business?
Benefits of a 4-Day Week
Adopting a 4-day workweek can transform the way your team operates, offering tangible advantages that go beyond just a shorter schedule. Businesses that experiment with reduced workdays often see a combination of increased efficiency, happier employees, and even cost savings. By focusing on results rather than hours, companies can create a more motivated, productive, and loyal workforce, all while contributing to a healthier work-life balance and a more sustainable business model.
Higher Productivity
Researchers have indicated that productivity can increase with this new approach to work. It might seem odd – work less, and be more productive. However, what the studies found was that overworked staff members are generally less productive.
More so, Perpetual Guardian Investment Solutions (NZ) experimented with the 4-day workweek. What was found was that staff retained their productivity level. However, there was an enhancement of the way in which they related to the company and in how they applied themselves in their roles. The findings included that employees often accomplish the same amount, or more, in fewer days due to better focus and energy management.
Improved Work-Life Balance
Therefore, teamwork and job satisfaction increased just by changing the work/life balance. Staff members were thus less likely to leave the business or to have mental-health issues. That is, since more personal time leads to reduced stress and higher satisfaction.
Retention and Attraction of Talent
Offering flexible schedules can make your business more competitive in attracting top talent.
Environmental and Cost Benefits
Fewer commuting days can reduce overhead costs and the company’s carbon footprint.
Improved Workplace Equality
It is common knowledge that the workplace has a male bias. This was notable during the pandemic, when many women left the workplace. Schools were closed; many children were given their lessons via the internet. Someone had to remain at home and look after the children. Sending the children to care facilities was also not an option during lockdown, and many could not afford hired help. For these reasons, many women left the workplace. However, a 4 day week provides more time for childcare responsibilities.
Disadvantages of a 4-Day Week
While appealing, a 4-day week isn’t without challenges:
This is not a one-size-fits-all approach
Such an approach would not work for every business. There is also the fear of what will happen to the lost hours. Although the concept is that people will be more productive and will thus be able to make up for the lost time, this outcome is not guaranteed. For instance, some sectors, like healthcare or retail, may struggle to implement shorter weeks.
Potential Overload
Condensing the same work into fewer days may create intense pressure on employees if not managed correctly.
Impact Customer Service
An essential part of business is to ensure good customer service. However, being closed for a day or not having staff at the office can cause a negative response. Your customers might not see the value of work/life balance, although you and your team might. The result is that your clients might move to your competition. This could hurt your business.
Alternative Approach: Using Virtual Assistants
There is, however, an alternative approach that can be used, involving outsourcing and virtual assistants. With this approach, the low-level tasks are outsourced to a virtual assistant to complete. For businesses, this means that it makes it easier to experiment with a 4-day week without sacrificing output or customer satisfaction.
What this means for the business is that the onsite team can focus more on their core work, instead of wasting their time on repetitive and time-consuming jobs that can be conducted at a lower cost by someone else. Besides a spike in output, the core team will have an increased loyalty towards their employer.
The focus on the employee
With the costs of rehiring, maintaining staff is becoming more and more significant. Should the staff member fear or dislike their employer, they may work half-heartedly, achieving less. The relationship can sour and result in losses for both parties.
More so, employees are seeking a role in which they can grow. If this is supplied, they will not leave. Whether you use the 4 day workweek, or outsource and use a virtual assistant, or a combination of the two, your focus should be on having happy workers who can deliver the goals, while growing as you grow.
By considering broader implications, leveraging internal resources like virtual assistants, and connecting this discussion to related content, businesses can make informed decisions while building authority and trust online.
If you want to explore how a skilled virtual assistant can help your team adapt to modern work schedules and boost productivity, contact Aristo Sourcing today
