Four-day Work Week:

What you should consider

There is a lot of talk about the concept of a four-day workweek, both pros and cons. While the sound of it is very appealing for a lot of workers, there are, of course, considerations for employers and employees. There are also different approaches to consider, such as reduced hours of work or compressing hours into fewer days in the week.

Recent research by Talent.com published April 2023 on the subject shows that Millennials and Gen Z have more concerns about a four-day workweek than older generations.

"According to the study, a massive 93% of Canadians are interested in a four-day work week, placing it in their top 3 professional benefits (57%) that can be offered by companies, followed by insurance (52%) and flexibility to choose their working hours (47%)."

"Concerns for the four-day work week - Although 43% of Canadians believe that a four-day work week is an eventual next step to hybrid working, 8 in 10 have noted at least one concern with the concept, with Gen Z and Millennials more concerned than older generations."

The concept of a four-day workweek has gained traction in recent years, with many people seeing it as a way to improve work-life balance and increase employee productivity. However, there are also concerns about its potential drawbacks.

A significant majority of Canadians are interested in a four-day workweek, with many placing it among their top professional benefits. However, it also highlights that many Canadians have concerns about the concept, with younger generations being more concerned than older ones. This outlines some factors to think about when considering or even talking about a four-day workweek.

Positives:

1. Improved work-life balance: A shorter workweek means more time for employees to spend with their families, pursue hobbies, and engage in other non-work-related activities.
2. Employees increase their earning capacity by taking on additional employment for their three non-working days.
3. Increased productivity: Some studies have suggested that a shorter workweek can lead to increased productivity as employees have more time to rest and recharge.
4. Reduced stress and burnout: A shorter workweek can help reduce stress and burnout, which can lead to improved mental health and job satisfaction.
5. Cost savings: A shorter workweek can result in cost savings for companies, such as reduced energy usage and lower overhead costs.

Concerns:

1. Reduced productivity: Some people worry that reducing the number of workdays could reduce productivity, as employees may struggle to complete their tasks within a shorter timeframe.
2. Increased burnout: Longer days, with a compressed week schedule, could lead to burnout for employees who feel their days are too long.
3. Increased burnout: Employees taking on second jobs for the fifth (to seventh) weekday and they are not working full-time for their employer, resulting in burnout and lower productivity due to fatigue, etc.
4. Reduced income: A shorter workweek could mean a reduction in pay, which could be a concern for those who rely on their income to meet their financial obligations. Workload distribution: If everyone in a company is working four days a week, it could be challenging to distribute the workload effectively, leading to a backlog of tasks and potential burnout for employees.
5. Difficulty in scheduling meetings: With employees working different schedules, it could be challenging to schedule meetings and ensure everyone is available at the same time.

It is essential to consider a four-day workweek's potential benefits and drawbacks before implementing it in the workplace. While it can lead to improved work-life balance and increased job satisfaction for employees, addressing concerns around productivity, workload distribution, and pay is also important.

Ultimately, the success of a four-day workweek will depend on how it is implemented and managed; consider ways to mitigate any negative impacts on employees and the organization.