What you should consider before adopting a four day workweek for your business

As an employer, switching your company to a four-day workweek will be one of the best things you can do to help your employees achieve a better work-life balance. Across the US, many businesses have begun pushing for a four-day workweek. Even all over the globe, this new concept of working only four days per week is taking off. Career experts have always emphasized the productivity benefits of working only four days a week. It helps prevent employee burnout and reduce stress.

What is the four-day workweek?

The four-day workweek is a way of scheduling where a worker has to work only four days of the week, than the traditional five days. This aims to reduce the number of days an employee has to come to work, while maintaining the initial productivity level. In certain companies, the employees have to work four 10-hour days instead of five 8-hour days. This way, workers get to work a whole week while still maintaining a full-time schedule. Other employers request their staff to put in only 32 work hours per week, working in 4 days. While the former entitles employees to a full salary, the latter only qualifies them for 80% of the full compensation for the job.

The four-day workweek has several benefits for employers and employees

1. Increased productivity

When employees only have to work four days a week, they feel more rested and better focused on work.

2. Improved work-life balance

With the three-day weekend, employees have more time to pursue their interests and take care of other responsibilities.

3. Reduced absenteeism

As workers have more time over the weekend to take care of their other obligations, they are less likely to take leave during the workweek.

4. Improved employee retention

Workers are more likely to stay with employers who give them the flexibility to work only four days a week. As a result, it is easier for businesses to attract and retain employees.

5. Lowered costs of operation

Companies can reduce their operational costs by almost one-fifth by adopting a four-day workweek.

6. More environmental benefits

As the workweek becomes shorter, employees have to travel to work less, reducing the carbon footprint of the employer.

However, the four-day workweek comes with some challenges

1. Increased workload

The workers have to keep to longer work hours on the four days that they work, adding to their work-related stress.

2. Coordination difficulties

It might become somewhat harder to coordinate with clients, suppliers, and contractors who are maintaining a traditional five-day workweek.

3. Resistance from employees

If you are planning on a 32-hour workweek, employees and stakeholders may oppose the change due to concerns about pay and workload.

4. Unsuitability for all businesses

The four-day workweek would not work for some businesses and industries that must be available for service throughout the week, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and maintenance.

5. Negative impact on employee retention

Some of your workers may not find the idea of a four-day workweek appealing and may want to leave you for a traditional setting.