According to Wikipedia, a four-day week is an arrangement where a workplace has its employees work over the course of four days rather than the more customary five. This arrangement can be a part of flexible working hours and is sometimes used to cut costs, like in the example of the so-called "4/10 work week," where employees work a normal 40 hours across four days. The implementation of 4 working days a week is a new hot subject on work-related topics.
Employees will have to cover more work in less time, but as a reward, they get a day off every week. They will be able to manage the work-life balance more effectively. Outside work, employees gain benefits such as spending much more time with the family, friends and hobbies. Employees tend to stay in jobs where they are valued, recognized and rewarded, but also where their personal lives and time outside of work are respected.
We can ask ourselves whether a shorter working week will have an impact on productivity. Work is often interrupted by various factors that stop us and disrupt our focus on the task. Employees will have to do their work properly and reduce this interference. There will also be a new work rhythm defined and a new mentality will have to be developed around this new aspect of working life. It’s quite a challenge that contributes to being productive and is meant to improve the lives of employees.
A company in New Zealand recently experimented this type of work plan and the results were unexpectedly positive. Of course, it is not an option for most industries and jobs, but it can still be implemented effectively in some areas.
However, I cannot help not thinking of colleagues and friends of mine who sometimes work 6 or 7 days a week. For them, only 4 working days a week is a utopia. And let’s not forget about the staff who is available around the clock…
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