I negotiated a 4 day week soon after my first daughter was born. The extra day was a leap in faith from my employer and a major recalibration of my work life balance. Now, after living on a 4 day week schedule for 25 years, a major pilot confirms that a 4 day week is indeed good for the company and good for the employee.
The results from the large-scale UK four-day workweek pilot conducted by non-profit 4 Day Week Global were overwhelmingly positive. Over 60 companies took part, with 92% of employers stating they would continue with a shorter workweek and 30% making the change permanent. Among nearly 3,000 employees, 71% reported feeling reduced levels of burnout and there were improvements in physical health and wellbeing. Participating firms reported that workers had been able to spend more time with their families, pursue hobbies, and take greater personal care. Employers also noted that a truncated workweek had boosted productivity and output, and happier employees performed better at work.
What the project finally confirms is what I and others like me have known for some time. There are real advantages to a four-day workweek. These include:
Increased productivity: Employees tend to be more productive when they have a shorter workweek because they have more time to rest and recharge.
Better work-life balance: A four-day workweek allows employees to have an extra day off, which gives them more time to spend with their family and friends, pursue hobbies, or engage in other activities they enjoy.
Reduced stress and burnout: With a shorter workweek, employees can reduce their stress levels and avoid burnout, which can lead to improved mental and physical health.
Cost savings: Fewer days in the office can save employees money on transportation, meals, and other expenses related to work.
Increased employee satisfaction: A four-day workweek can lead to higher levels of employee satisfaction, which can lead to lower employee turnover and higher retention rates.
Improved recruitment: Offering a four-day workweek can be an attractive benefit for potential employees, which can help to improve recruitment efforts.
Environmental benefits: A shorter workweek can lead to reduced carbon emissions from transportation and energy usage, which can have a positive impact on the environment.
This change to the work environment won’t work for all businesses, but to my mind media companies are ideally positioned to take advantage of these findings. The challenge now is convincing more employers to take that leap of faith and break free from the broken work ethic left over from the industrial revolution.
Happier, healthier employees and a boost to productivity at no extra cost? Surely, it’s worth the trial.
Sean Briggs helps creative teams improve their workflows. He also makes a living as a traditional and digital artist.