The traditional five-day workweek has been a staple of office life for nearly a century, but with the rise of remote work and the demand for more flexibility from Millennials and Gen Z, this model is being challenged.
Recent trials of a four-day workweek, including a notable one in the United Kingdom and New Zealand’s Perpetual Guardian in 2018, have shown promising results.
Results Of The Four-Day Workweek Trial
Perpetual Guardian, a New Zealand company with 240 employees, conducted a two-month trial in March 2018, reducing the standard 40-hour workweek to 32 hours while maintaining employee salaries.
Unlike many companies that reduce pay when cutting hours, Perpetual Guardian’s operational change ensured staff received the same income despite working fewer hours.
The company closely monitored the trial and enlisted researchers to evaluate its impact on productivity and employee well-being. Key findings included:
Improved Work-Life Balance: Unsurprisingly, employees reported a 24% improvement in work-life balance. With extra time to focus on personal activities like exercise, cooking, and spending time with family, employees returned to work feeling refreshed and guilt-free.
Enhanced Job Performance: Supervisors observed increased creativity and enthusiasm among employees. With fewer hours in the office, teams were more motivated and focused.
Reduced Time Off: With more time off during the week, employees were more punctual, took fewer long breaks, and rarely left early. This led to better attendance and fewer requests for time off.
Increased Productivity: The company saw an overall boost in productivity. Employees managed their time more efficiently, shortened meetings, and minimised distractions to maximise their in-office hours.
Can All Companies Benefit?
While the benefits of a four-day workweek, better work-life balance, higher performance, fewer time-off requests, and increased productivity, are evident, this model may not work for every business. Some industries require constant coverage, and reducing staff hours might necessitate additional hiring, which could outweigh the cost savings.
Is A Four-Day Workweek Right For Your Business?
While the four-day workweek was a success for Perpetual Guardian, it may not work for every company. The key is to adapt the model to fit your business on a trial basis. Monitor employee satisfaction and productivity during the experiment.
If you see positive results, consider making it permanent. However, if it leads to scheduling gaps and higher costs, it might not be a viable solution for your organisation.