The four-day workweek is something that sounds appealing, especially to employees. However, it is also embraced by company leaders as it can enhance morale and prevent burnout. But is it a viable option in the modern workforce?

What is the Four-Day Workweek?

The four-day workweek is not a new concept. However, it is experiencing a resurgence, and companies are exploring their options with more flexible schedules and realizing the dangers of employee burnout.

The idea would be for employees to work “smarter, not harder”. Although some may consider consolidating the forty-hour workweek into four days, at ten hours a day, for most, the four-day workweek means working fewer hours for the same pay.

Pros and Cons of the Four-Day Workweek

There are several advantages and disadvantages to the four-day workweek. Here are some to consider.

Pros:

• Improved Wellness and Reduced Burnout: Sunny Bonnell, CEO of the branding agency Motto, mentions that shorter workweeks can enhance employee morale and prevent burnout. Organizations that adopt this model can achieve higher retention rates and greater employee satisfaction.
• Enhanced Productivity: Although this can work both ways, Bonnel feels that reduced hours will lead to greater productivity. She thinks that workers will “prioritize high-value tasks, minimize distractions, and focus on outcomes rather than hours worked.”
• Talent Acquisition: Businesses that adopt a four-day workweek may attract top-tier talent who appreciate a work-life balance.
• More Environmentally Friendly: Companies that work smarter reduce waste, supporting more eco-friendly and cost-efficient operations.
• Fewer Sick Days: The four-day workweek enhances employee wellness, resulting in fewer sick days, which are costly for companies.

Cons

• Can Cause Employee Resentment: The four-day workweek may not be feasible for every position. If some employees are approved for a four-day workweek, while others are not, it could lead to resentment within the company.
• Could Accelerate AI Adoption: Cardone Capital COE Grant Cardone warns that a four-day workweek could accelerate AI and robots replacing people in the workplace. Employers will likely utilize robots to compensate for lost work time, perhaps to an increasingly greater degree.
• Disrupted Customer Service: Companies that adopt a four-day workweek may not be as available to handle customer inquiries and provide service.
• Scheduling Difficulties: A four-day workweek can make it challenging to schedule meetings and projects.

Is a Four-Day Workweek Doable?

Some say a four-day workweek would never survive in America’s workplace.

Preston Taylor, head of people and culture at Human Capital Management, says the concept would “Struggle to be successful in a much larger economy and work-obsessed culture like we have in the U.S.”

He notes that the four-day workweek could be successful in industries such as technology, government, and finance. However, it would likely cause significant disruptions in healthcare, retail, manufacturing, the housing market, and other customer-facing sectors. Taylor also believes it would lead to more companies outsourcing jobs to countries with “a better work ethic”.

Workplace futurist and author Julia Hobsbawm notes that companies that have adopted a four-day workweek are adapting it to their needs. For example, rather than implementing a strict four-day schedule, they may split a full day into two half-days or use other strategies to enhance flexibility.

Adapting to a Four-Day Workweek

Companies that decide to adopt a four-day workweek should consider the following strategies to ensure success:

• Determine Employee Readiness: Leaders should first determine if their organization is ready for a four-day workweek. The program works best for companies with a flexible culture, one that is prepared to adapt to various tasks and schedules.
• Structuring the Schedule for Optimal Coverage: Companies can ensure their bases are covered by staggering days off or rotating schedules among teams.
• Use Asynchronous Tools: Tools like Slack and Trello can be used to share documents and information, eliminating the need for time-consuming meetings.
• Reduce Time Spent in Meetings: Ensure meetings are quick and productive by setting clear agendas in advance.
• Batch Similar Tasks: Ensure teams can work on similar tasks within a given time frame to minimize context switching, which can reduce focus and productivity.
• Run a Trial: Organizations may run a trial of the four-day workweek before committing. Measure KPIs and gather feedback to determine whether the structure works for your company. Consider improvements that may make it more successful.

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