Is this the end of the 5-day-week?

22/05/2023 – Could 2023 be the year that the 4-day-week becomes a reality for many companies around the world? The recent trials in the UK involved 61 companies with around 2,900 employees being given the option to work four days a week instead of five, with no change in pay. But will this work time model catch on?

4-day-week pilot project and the 100-80-100 model

Andrew Barnes is the founder of “4-Day Week Global” and a pioneer of the 4-day-week-movement. He and his team are working with companies around the world to trial the shortened working week on an individual basis. Barnes' trials are based on the 100-80-100 rule, which involves reducing the work week from 40 to 32 hours. With no change in salary (100 percent), only 80 percent of the previous working hours are completed, but productivity is maintained at (at least) 100 percent. Barnes explains how the pilot programs work:

It's not about compressing a 40-hour week into four days, it's about how companies can maintain productivity and customer service while providing employee benefits.

Focus on productivity

Charlotte Lockhart, co-founder and managing director of "4-Day Week Global", is aware of the scepticism that reduced working hours or even closed Fridays bring. Nevertheless, she points out: ,We're heading into financially strained times, and it's time for companies to be productivity-driven.’ Many companies that participated in the pilot project agree with her: 92 percent of them confirmed that they will keep the working time reduction.

Positive effects of the 4-day-week

According to a survey conducted on employees, the reduction of their work hours to four days resulted in a decrease in work-related stress, contributed to better sleep patterns and overall improved their work-life-balance. Other positive features of reduced working hours may include:

1. Promoting gender equality

The 4-day-week allows both women and men more time for family commitments and helps to distribute domestic work more fairly.

2. Creativity and innovation

A shorter working week can lead to employees having more time for creative thinking and innovation, which in turn can increase productivity and improve products and services.

3. Reduction in sickness absence

Reduced stress and a better work-life balance can lead to workers being absent due to sickness less often, reducing the associated costs for companies.

Increased interest and applicant numbers

Robert Walters recently conducted an online survey in which 91 percent of respondents said they would like their company to participate in such a project in the future. As more trials and statistics are published, employee interest increases, and the 4-day-week could play a bigger role in the future when moving to a new employer. Companies that introduce the model early on can not only increase their productivity but also increase employee retention as well as the number of applicants. This was the case, for example, with Atom Bank, a retail bank in England, when it announced it would try a 4-day-week in 2021 – direct applications increased by 500 percent.

Criticisms and potential problems of the 4-day-week

The criticisms and possible negative effects of the 32-hour-week should also be considered and addressed:

1. Problems with implementation in manufacturing or customer service

A key concern relates to the implementation of this working model in different industries. While some companies may be able to move to a shorter working week without difficulty, others may have problems reducing working hours without affecting productivity – for example, in manufacturing or customer service accessibility.

2. Possible overwork of employees

Another problem is the possible overloading of employees during the four working days. If the workload is not properly adjusted, employees could be forced to work overtime to complete their tasks. This may lead to increased stress and the risk of burnout.

3. Unclear effects on the economy

The impact on the economy is also unclear so far. It is possible that companies introducing a 4-day-week could reduce their costs and increase their competitiveness. However, this could also lead to a decrease in the number of employees or wage increases as companies try to maintain productivity with fewer working hours.

4. Potential impact on customer satisfaction

Finally, companies need to consider the potential impact on customer satisfaction and customer service. Some customers may be disappointed by reduced opening hours or limited service during the 4-day-week, which could lead to a loss of business.

Openness and consideration of new working time models

The 4-day-week requires careful consideration and flexibility from companies to meet modern work demands. Experimentation and testing different models are critical to a work structure promoting productivity and employee well-being.

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