Between 2015 and 2019, a study was conducted in Iceland to test the effectiveness of the 4 day work week idea. For five years, the researchers observed employees who worked for 32 hours a week instead of the usual 40 hours per week. While the results were positive, with employees improving their overall lives, they still showed some disengagement from work. The study concluded that before reducing the working hours, employers must focus on improving their employees’ work experience. 

How effective is the four-day work week plan? Will it work? Keep reading this article to find out.

What’s a four-day work week?

A four-day work week is an idea that aims to improve employee well-being by reducing their working hours. So, if an employee works for 40 hours over 5 days, this can be reduced to 32 hours over 4 days. The idea is to make their lives better by giving them more time to pursue things other than their work. 

Although a relatively new idea, the 4 day work week is gaining popularity among companies. Several companies have successfully shifted to this plan, while the Japanese government recommends it nationally. 

Advantages

1. Reduced costs

It reduces our carbon footprint by saving at least 52 days’ worth of energy a year. Subsequently, employers can save at least 52 days’ worth of infrastructural costs as well. Companies can invest this money in mental health workshops or facilities that further help improve employees’ lives at the workplace. 

2. Fewer health issues

A 4 day work week helps improve employees’ mental health. Doing so will eventually improve their physical health as well. This is because maintaining one’s mental health can prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and sleep problems. Mental well-being can also reduce the chances of heart attacks and strokes.

3. Increase in productivity levels

The 4 day work week helps employees pursue other passions, thereby reducing the chances of burnout. Thus, physical and mental well-being will increase their morale to work. With enhanced motivation, employees become more productive. The tasks that would otherwise take 5 days, might now be completed within 4 days.

4. Recruitment and retention

Since the 4 day work week prioritizes employee well-being, more people will be interested in working at the company. Employee retention will also increase as existing employees would be happy at their jobs due to the peace it provides.

Disadvantages

1. Work-related stress

Although the ideal plan behind the 4 day work week idea is to reduce the number of working hours, some organizations might misinterpret it and make employees squeeze in 5 days’ worth of work within 4 days. This might have a counter-effect as employees will have to deal with the subsequent stress, thereby worsening their mental health.

Does it affect holiday entitlement?

If the total number of hours worked in a week does not change, i.e, if work shifts are increased during the 4 days, there’s no need to make changes in leave allowances (unless it’s an increase and if the employer is generous enough). However, there might be some changes to be made if the number of working hours is actually reduced (which is the original idea behind the 4 day work week).

Verdict: is it right for your business?

The 4 day work week will be effective only if it affects employees’ lives positively. For this, as the Iceland study suggests, employers need to improve the work environment and make the workplace less stressful. Once this is achieved, the 4 day work week plan can easily be implemented.