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So, what’s the case for a four-day week? FOUR-DAY WEEK: PROS AND CONS
There is an argument to be made that modern Benefits of a four-day working week
technology has significantly sped up the way So, how do you know if a four-day week is
we work, and that the five-day week is no right for your business? To help you decide,
longer necessary.
here are some key pros and cons.
For example, cloud HR software means that
long-winded spreadsheets are no longer Reduced costs
needed and faffing around with paperwork is a A four-day week can cut costs for everyone.
thing of the past.
The obvious one is that, given the office would
Whilst the five-day week used to be a great be closed for one extra day a week, running
model that got the most out of its workers, it costs would see a significant drop.
was born in an era where factory work was the
norm. In a 19th century factory, a 5-day week Additionally, employees would be paying
was ideal. People would get up, go to work, less to commute and would see cut costs in
do their jobs and go home. That was all there expenses like lunch and coffees during the
was to it. day, too.
However, with the evolution of technology Happier employees
and the increase in office jobs, the rule that Having a three-day weekend leaves
longer hours equals more productivity doesn’t employees with more free time and the
necessarily ring true. If anything, our work-life chance to improve their work-life balance. Not
balance has taken a hit. many people will complain about that.
Recent trials of a four-day working week in Having more time to do the things you love
Iceland have been reportedly successful. increases overall happiness and can help to
Microsoft’s Japan offices also trialled it and increase loyalty to a company - it’s a win-win.
saw a whopping 40% increase in productivity.
It’s also proved successful in countries like Fewer health issues
New Zealand and Sweden. According to charity Mind, 1 in 6 of us
experience mental health problems in any
And with the 4-day week pilot running given week.
in countries across the world, there’s a
clear sense that this change in working Having a longer weekend will allow people
practice could become the norm for some to spend more time with their friends and
organisations. family and do things that they love, which will
naturally lead to an improvement in wellbeing.
It’ll also give them an extra lie-in each week
which will help them re-charge a little more
after a busy week.
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