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The obvious one is that, given the office would Recruitment and retention
be closed for one extra day a week, running In the age of the millennial, being able to offer
costs would see a significant drop. a more flexible work pattern is definitely a
perk that persuades employees to stay at a
Additionally, employees would be paying company.
less to commute and would see cut costs in
expenses like lunch and coffees during the Knowing they’ll be getting a three-day
day, too. weekend is one that keeps employees
motivated week-on-week. It’s still a relatively
Happier employees rare offering and can be a great way to get the
Having a three-day weekend leaves best talent through the door - and keep them
employees with more free time. Not many engaged, too.
people will complain about that.Having more
time to do the things you love increases Disadvantages of a 4-day work
overall happiness and can help to increase week
loyalty to a company - it’s a win-win.
It doesn’t suit every business model
Fewer health issues Unfortunately, a four-day week model doesn’t
According to charity Mind, 1 in 6 of us suit every business. It’s an option that is only
experience mental health problems in any viable for companies who can re-adapt their
given week.Having a longer weekend will whole business to a new way of working.
allow people to spend more time with their
friends and family and do things that they love, Adopting a different way of working is a big
which will naturally lead to an improvement in step, so you’ll need to consider whether or not
wellbeing. a four-day week is right for your company.
It’ll also give them an extra lie-in each week Longer hours and work-related stress
which will help them re-charge a little more In reality, most employees on a four day
after a busy week. week will most likely be expected to work
the same 40-hour weeks, but in four days
Increase in productivity levels instead of five. In this case, shifts might be
Discontented staff tend to distract their co- extended to 10 hours. Longer days could
workers. The general theory behind a shorter have a significant effect on employees’ stress
week is that happier, more fulfilled employees levels and therefore their overall wellbeing and
are therefore more focused on their job when productivity.
actually in the workplace.
How does a four-day week affect holiday
Perpetual Guardian, a New Zealand entitlement?
firm trialled a four day week. The results found One of the first things employees might ask is:
that 78% of employees could more effectively how does this affect my holiday entitlement?
balance their work and home life. This was Well, as you probably know, an employer can
compared to 54% prior to the experiment.
6 March 2022
