The occasional three-day weekend is a cause for excitement for everyone. However, what if this occasional occurrence became the norm? Would it propel business productivity, or will things take a turn for the worse?
Let us discuss the pros and cons of a four-day working week.
Pros of a Four-Day Working week:
1) Lower costs:
A four-day working week means lower costs for everyone.
Employers can benefit from a significant reduction in running costs, since the office will now be closed for an additional day every week.
Employees, of course, will save conveyance costs, in addition to the various other expenses such as those of coffees and meals that they might consume outside the home during the working day.
2) Increased employee satisfaction:
Of course, getting three days off means that employees have more leisure time that they can spend on the things that they enjoy and love doing. This will lead to greater overall happiness, which can also result in an increase in employee loyalty – a win for everyone.
3) A reduction in health problems:
According to some studies, one person in every six experiences mental health issues in a given week.
In addition, other studies have revealed that 37% companies in the UK had witnessed a rise in absences caused by stress, during the year.
Once again, longer weekends will allow people more time to interact with family and friends, and indulge in activities that improve their mental health.
In addition, they will get an extra day which they can use to simply sit back and recharge their batteries for the coming week.
4) Improved productivity:
Shorter working weeks will lead to more fulfilled and happy employees who will work with more focus and dedication.
Some companies, who have piloted and tested out 4-day work weeks, have revealed that 78% of their employees benefited from a greater work-life balance – compared to the 54% with a five-day week.
Cons of a Four-Day Working Week:
1) Not suitable for all business models:
Unfortunately, the four-day model is only workable for businesses that have the luxury to re-adapt to a new working system.
Changing one’s ways of working is never easy and simple, which is why companies need to determine if a three-day weekend is the right choice for them.
2) Longer working hours:
Employees working four days a week may not be able to keep working 8 hours a week. Often, businesses will have to continue to stick to a total of 40 weekly working hours, which couldmean a 10-hour shift on days people are working.
Longer working days can significantly impact the workers’ stress-levels, and, by extension, their productivity and wellbeing.
Final Word:
We are yet to see if a three-day weekend is the answer to the workplace of the 21st century. However, it is important that employers keep their minds open and consider implementing any changes that they might feel will improve their employees’ mental and physical health, overall wellbeing, and productivity
