Argument About the Four Day Work Week

From a LinkedIn post dated, January 12, 2023 by Melanie Naranjo out of New York City.

The debate around what is best for employees and employers when it comes to a preferred work environment reminds me of the old adage, "The marketing person calls the glass half-full, the VP of Operations sees the same glass half-empty.  While they argue the point, the Salesperson sells the glass to a customer."

While one side battles the other about WHERE to work, AI is about to change the way IF we work.  And nobody is paying attention.

Still - it is mildly entertaining.

From LinkedIN:

"The 4-day workweek isn’t right for everyone.

There. I said it.

And it’s not the only trend this applies to. Because although the fervor over the 4-day workweek seems to have died down recently, other workplace trends continue to crop up in its place: the hybrid workforce, ultra pay transparency (i.e. disclosing individual employee salaries), increasingly lavish perks.

But companies should think twice before adopting the latest trend — even if it means feeling slightly “behind the times.” Pushing forward without doing your research can lead to detrimental consequences for companies and employees alike.

Just look at the talent market over the past few years: Companies everywhere hired at supersonic speed with inflated salary packages and benefits offerings only to realize a few years in that all these changes weren’t sustainable long term after all. Cue mass layoffs.

I’m simplifying a bit here, but my point stands: Significant company changes shouldn’t be made lightly — and they certainly shouldn’t be made just because it feels like the trendy thing to do."

The 4-day workweek: Is it the new trend or the new reality?

As companies continue to adapt to the changing workforce, one trend that has been gaining momentum is the 4-day workweek. The idea is simple: instead of the traditional 5-day workweek, employees would work four days and have an extra day off. But is this trend something that companies should be jumping on board with? Or is it just a fad that will eventually fizzle out?

There is no denying that the 4-day workweek has its benefits. Studies have shown that employees who work shorter weeks have more energy and focus, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction. Additionally, companies that have implemented a 4-day workweek have reported improved employee retention and recruitment. In fact, a study by the University of Utah found that employees who switched to a 4-day workweek experienced a higher level of job satisfaction and reported that they were better able to balance their work and personal lives.

But is the 4-day workweek right for every company? 

The answer is "...no, Greg, it isn't..." 

Every business operates differently and has its own unique needs and goals. A retail company may need to have employees available on weekends, while an office-based company may not. By taking into account the unique needs and goals of the company, a 4-day workweek can be implemented in a way that is financially sustainable.

However, the 4-day workweek is not just a trend, it is a viable solution to address issues such as work-life balance and burnout. As more and more companies are facing challenges with employee burnout and work-life balance, the 4-day workweek can provide a solution that benefits both employees and employers. It is not just a trend, but a solution to address pressing issues in the workplace.

True, the 4-day workweek has been proven to increase productivity and employee satisfaction. Studies have shown that employees who work shorter weeks have more energy and focus, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction. Additionally, companies that have implemented a 4-day workweek have reported improved employee retention and recruitment.

And yes, a 4-day workweek can be beneficial for businesses of all sizes and industries. While it may not be a good fit for every company, it is important to consider the unique needs and goals of each business before dismissing the idea altogether. A 4-day workweek can be tailored to meet the specific needs of a company and can be implemented in a way that is financially sustainable.  Fine.

But the 4-day workweek is not just a trend, it is a viable solution to address issues such as work-life balance and burnout. As more and more companies are facing challenges with employee burnout and work-life balance, the 4-day workweek can provide a solution that benefits both employees and employers. 

Here are three simple positive points of the 4-day week:

1. Productivity and employee satisfaction: Research has shown that shorter workweeks can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction. Employees who have more time outside of work to pursue their personal interests and responsibilities tend to be more engaged and motivated when they are at work. Additionally, shorter workweeks can reduce stress and burnout, which can negatively impact productivity and job satisfaction. For example, a study by the University of Utah found that employees who switched to a 4-day workweek experienced a higher level of job satisfaction and reported that they were better able to balance their work and personal lives.
2. Businesses of all sizes and industries: The 4-day workweek is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Companies that operate in different industries and are at different stages of development may have different needs and goals. However, the 4-day workweek can be tailored to meet the specific needs of any company. For example, a retail company may need to have employees available on weekends, while an office-based company may not. By taking into account the unique needs and goals of the company, a 4-day workweek can be implemented in a way that is financially sustainable.
3. Addressing Work-Life Balance and Burnout: Work-life balance and burnout are becoming increasingly prevalent issues in the workplace. Long work hours and constant availability can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. The 4-day workweek can provide a solution to these issues by giving employees more time outside of work to pursue their personal interests and responsibilities. This can lead to a better work-life balance and can reduce the risk of burnout. Additionally, shorter workweeks can lead to a more motivated and engaged workforce, which can benefit both employees and employers.

The 4-day workweek should not be dismissed lightly. Companies should weigh the pros and cons and consider their own unique needs and goals before implementing this change. But it is important to remember that it is not just a trend, but a viable solution to address pressing issues in the workplace, such as work-life balance and burnout. Companies that are open to testing new approaches to work may find that the 4-day workweek is the right call for them.

For us in the Office Technology realm, it means serving end-users in BOTH environments - or should I say in ALL environments.