The Benefits of a Four-Day Workweek
There’s currently a bit of a war being waged over the benefits—or lack thereof—of virtual work. Zoom recently made headlines by requesting its employees begin to make their slow way back to the office (rather than meeting, you know, via Zoom).
It begs the question:
Are workers more or less productive when working from home?
Bosses and managers are keen to say that productivity decreases with remote work, while workers themselves swear they get more done at home. And while some studies have shown remote workers do log more time and get more done, others say just the opposite.
In truth, the metric may be too hard to measure. Does it vary from industry to industry? How do you define productivity, anyway? We might just need more time to know for sure.
So, rather than grapple over which is better—in-person or remote, hybrid or virtual—Rieke Interiors would like to propose that we explore an alternative: The Four-Day Workweek.
1. No Loss of Productivity
Despite what you might guess, distilling five days of work into four results in no loss of productivity—and we have the data to back it up.
For six months in 2022, over 70 UK companies participated in a grand experiment: Could they be as productive in four days as they were in five? The results were a resounding yes, with 34% reporting an increase in productivity.
Even more compelling evidence? The majority of those companies plan to continue the four-day week indefinitely.
2. Improved Culture
Having an extra day to run errands, do household chores, read, play, and exercise makes people happier. When people are happy, they can’t help but enjoy every aspect of their life a little more, including work.
Happier workers = better work culture. It’s only logical.
3. Improved Health
A four-day week gives workers a chance to catch up on sleep, get outside and get moving, meal plan, meditate, and generally de-stress. It frees up time to pursue things that bring joy, reconnect with friends and family, and care for their overall health.
Obligation-free time is good for both mental and physical health, which is good for everyone—employers included.
4. Improved Collaboration
When people are happier, well-rested, and healthy, they’re more likely to collaborate well with others. But there’s more to it than that.
With everyone hoping to wrap up projects by Thursday afternoon, employees are motivated to work together to get everything accomplished. Instead of quibbling or procrastinating, workers are eager to join forces and finish the task at hand.
Anything to get out the door to a three-day-weekend, right?
The Gilbert’s Sausages breakroom.
Life is for Living
The bottom line: Creating a productive and positive work environment could be as simple as cutting back on the work week. And aren’t loyal employees who can’t wait to get to work in the morning every employer's dream? Sign us up.
Is your workspace one that employees can’t wait to get to? Let’s create offices that delight and inspire your whole team, from the floor to the ceiling and everywhere in between.
Need assistance in creating a workplace your employees will love? We’re here to help. Contact us today!
Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/22/business/four-day-work-week-uk.html
https://www.4dayweek.com/news-posts/uk-four-day-week-pilot-mid-results
