Should Your Business Switch to a Four-Day Workweek?

Posted on 28th March 2023

As hard-working employees, we’ve been trapped in a 9-5 working culture for years now. For business owners, this lengthy workday might’ve once seemed productive and profitable. But, no longer!

In the wake of a world-changing pandemic, our work/life balance has really been brought into perspective. Nowadays, many young employees don’t want to waste entire weeks behind a computer desk or in the office, leading over 67% of Gen Z workers to deliberately consider jobs with a four-day workweek.

Some businesses have taken heed of the changes in the working world, and have already made the switch to a four-day workweek, to varying degrees of success.

Questioning whether your business should adjust your employees’ working hours? We’re here to give you an informed answer on the benefits – and drawbacks! – of a four-day workweek. Read on for more.

Boost productivity

Many supporters of the four-day working week claim that it boosts productivity, and this seems to be right; 71% of employees involved in the UK’s trial of a four-day workweek in 2022 reported lower burnout. By all accounts, many employees love an additional day off, and are driven to take fewer days off work to recover from the stresses and strains of a five-day workweek. Employee happiness is the key to continued productivity, and a four-day workweek is certainly something to consider if you want to get more business done in a lesser amount of time.

Improve employee retention

Employees are more likely to stay with your business, if you’re giving them good incentives to work hard for your company! 63% of UK employers involved in the 2022 trial of a four-day workweek have proceeded to claim that this change has helped attract and retain new talent.

An influx of new talent can massively impact the positive growth and development of your business, and by retaining this talent in the long-term, the success of your enterprise is secured. Is your business floundering for good, reliable and innovative employees? Perhaps a four-day workweek is the next step for drawing new staff to your workplace.

Plan your operational changes carefully

A four-day workweek isn’t all sunshine and roses, however. If implemented without enough preparation beforehand, a four-day workweek could send your business into an operational slump.

You need to think long and hard about whether a four-day workweek is practical for your business, and would be favoured by your employees. Make sure you’re setting clear expectations for work quotas and team communication between staff prior to making the change.

Plan all operational changes carefully, too. Will you need to adjust work deadlines and the schedule of team meetings to align with this new workweek? If so, do it in advance.

Invest in a hybrid system

A four-day workweek isn’t for every business. If your business is high-pressure and hands-on, consider investing in a different kind of flexible working system. Hybrid working is just as effective at boosting the morale of employees as a four-day workweek can be. When employees are working from home, you can get essential information to them through an innovative live webcast platform, which ensures your business stays ahead of the curve – even when the office is empty.

Humans have always adapted to survive, and it’s time businesses do the same! Whether you go for a hybrid, remote or four-day workweek, you must start making changes to secure your company’s future.