The Four-Day Workweek: How and Why We Should Work Less

If you've been dreaming about upgrading your work-life balance with a shorter workweek, you'll be thrilled to know that it's become a global reality. The push toward a four-day workweek is gaining momentum and shows no signs of slowing down. Numerous companies and organizations in the U.S. and around the world have effectively implemented this flexible working model or have experimented with trials and studies.

Advocates have long proposed that working four days instead of five significantly increases productivity. And with high levels of burnout and stress prevalent in the U.S., the demand for a higher quality of life and well-being is greater than ever before. The COVID-19 pandemic and the Great Resignation deeply affected working lives across the globe, accelerating a more decisive shift toward flexible working arrangements.

A Brief History of the Workweek

You may be surprised to know that the concept of a shorter workweek is not a new one. In the late 18th century, during the Industrial Revolution, it wasn't uncommon for factory workers to endure ten to sixteen-hour days, six days a week. When it became apparent that such long days were both inhumane and unsustainable, social activists like Robert Owen advocated for shorter days.

However, it was in 1914 that the eight-hour movement became standard when Ford Motor Company cut its worker's hours while doubling wages. In 1926 it became one of the first companies in the U.S. to adopt a five-day, 40-hour week.

Since then, the four-day workweek has continued to gain attention and traction. In the 1930s, some industries implemented this to reduce unemployment during the Great Depression. However, the model gained widespread traction in the 1960s, when the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology studied the impact of a four-day workweek on productivity and morale.

The 1970s saw the enactment of the four-day work week in some government agencies to make savings during the energy crisis. It became more widespread in the 1980s and 1990s, with many companies experimenting with the model to improve productivity and retention.

What is the Four-Day Work Week?

The four-day workweek is a schedule in which an employee works four days per week rather than the typical five. The idea behind the abbreviated workweek is to reduce the number of days employees have to work while maintaining the same productivity level. Keep in mind that some employers may still offer a full salary and benefits, whereas others may offer only eighty percent of the compensation.

Some companies have adopted a "compressed work week" in which employees work four 10-hour days instead of five 8-hour days. This can benefit workers who do not want to work a whole week but still want to maintain a full-time schedule. The second model is a shorter working period, where rather than 40 hours a week, employees work 32 hours, four days a week.

With these schedules, employees can enjoy a three-day weekend if their day off is a Monday or Friday. However, employers may choose any day of the week to be "off," depending on their requirements and workers' preferences.

Four-Day Workweek Benefits

There is a growing body of research on the potential benefits of a shorter workweek. Here are some of the advantages for both employers and employees:

• Increased productivity: employees may feel more rested and focused at work by having an extra day off each week, leading to higher productivity levels.
• Improved work-life balance: employees can have more time to pursue personal interests, take care of errands and responsibilities, or spend time with friends and family. This can help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
• Promotes gender equality: having an extra day off work gives parents the ability to balance work and childcare responsibilities better and might help bridge the gender pay gap.
• Reduced absenteeism: the shorter work week may reduce the likelihood of absenteeism, as employees have more time to rest, recharge and fit in other responsibilities such as doctor’s appointments.
• Improved retention: This initiative is a valuable tool for attracting and retaining top talent. It can be a unique benefit that sets a company apart and makes it an attractive workplace.
• Reduced operational costs: by offering a shorter workweek, companies can reduce absenteeism and employee turnover costs. Employees may be more likely to stay with the company if they have a schedule that meets their needs.
• Environmental benefits: a shorter workweek can reduce the number of days employees need to commute to work and can therefore decrease the company's carbon footprint as well as save money for individuals.

What are the Challenges of a Four-Day Workweek?

While the advantages of a shorter workweek are apparent, there are also some potential drawbacks, some of which may include the following:

• Increased workload on the days that employees do work: employees may need to work longer hours on the days they are scheduled to maintain productivity. The added workload risks leading to increased stress levels and exhaustion.
• Difficulty coordinating with other organizations: a shorter work week can disrupt established routines and make it more difficult for employees to balance work and personal responsibilities. It can also be challenging for a company to coordinate with clients, suppliers, or other organizations that operate on a traditional five-day workweek.
• Possible resistance or backlash from employees or other stakeholders: they may resist or oppose the idea of a four-day workweek due to concerns about pay, workload, or personal and logistical issues.
• It may not be suitable for all businesses: a four-day workweek may only be a viable option for some sectors or roles, depending on the nature of the work and client or customer needs.
• Potential negative impacts on retention: a condensed week may not be attractive to all employees and may result in losing some talent who prefer a traditional five-day work week.

Which Countries Have Trialed or Implemented a Four-Day Workweek?

As it gains traction across the globe, the four-day workweek is also making progress in the United States. A four-day workweek bill proposed by California Rep. Mark Takano entered Congress in 2021. The bill calls for companies with more than 500 employees to reduce the standard workweek from 40 to 32 hours and pay overtime for hours worked above 32 hours. This proposal for a California four-day workweek is a critical step in the right direction for workers in the U.S.

As of late 2022, more than two dozen countries have experimented with pilot programs, and a handful of countries have officially implemented permanent four-day workweek options. Microsoft conducted one of the most successful testing programs in Japan in 2019. The company experienced a 40% boost in productivity, and 92% of employees preferred the shorter week. Because of this, Japan's government has encouraged four-day weeks since 2021.

It's important to note that in Japan, the Labor Standards Act now allows for the use of a "Four-Day Workweek System," where employees work four 10-hour days without a reduction in pay.

In 2018, the New Zealand government trialed a 4-day workweek for public sector workers in an effort to increase productivity and improve work-life balance. The trial was a success, and the government is considering expanding the program to other sectors.

In the United Kingdom, a six-month trial that included 70 companies and over 3,000 workers began in June 2022. The world's largest experiment used the 100-80-100 model meaning that 100% of pay is given for 80% of the time in exchange for a commitment to maintaining 100% productivity.

A similar trial ran in the U.S. and Ireland and was hugely successful. Other countries that have successfully tested the four-day work model include Canada, Spain, Iceland, Sweden, and Belgium.

Where to Find Jobs with a Four-Day Workweek

You can find four-day workweek jobs and companies with four-day workweeks on offer across various industries. Some of which include:

• Government jobs: agencies in the government sector, such as the US Forest Service, have implemented a shorter work week to save energy and improve employee morale and retention.
• Education jobs: some schools and universities, as well as education companies, have adopted a four-day work week, particularly in rural areas where it may be challenging to attract and retain teachers.
• Tech jobs: companies in the technology industry have been at the forefront of experimenting with flexible work arrangements. Companies such as Apple, Inc., Microsoft Corporation, and Facebook offer shorter workweeks to attract top talent.
• Customer service jobs: Some customer service organizations, hotels, and restaurants, including the popular burger chain Shake Shack tested a four-day workweek to help employees with childcare costs.

How to Ask Your Boss to Implement a Four-Day Workweek

It's generally a good idea to approach your manager with a well-thought-out plan when asking for a change to your work schedule. Remember to provide real-world examples of companies that have experienced positive results from shortened workweeks. Here are some tips for requesting a four-day workweek:

• Consider the reasons why you want to switch to a 4-day workweek. Are you looking for a better work-life balance or do you have other responsibilities that you need to attend to during the week? Clearly articulating your reasons can help your manager understand your perspective and see the benefits of your request.
• Propose a specific schedule that would work for you and your team. For example, you could propose working 10 hours daily, Monday through Thursday. Make sure to consider how this schedule would impact your team and your ability to meet your job responsibilities.
• Discuss the potential impact on your workload and how you will ensure that your tasks are completed on time and to the same high standard. You might need to adjust your workload or find ways to be more efficient to make a four-day workweek feasible.
• Consider offering to be available via email or phone outside your new regular work hours in case urgent matters arise.
• Be open to negotiation and willing to compromise. Your manager may have concerns about your request, and it's essential to work together to find a solution that works for everyone. You could even suggest a trial period to see how it goes.

Remember to approach the conversation professionally and respectfully and be prepared to explain how a four-day workweek would be mutually beneficial for you and your team.

Find a More Flexible Job on Monster

Are you thinking about making Friday a permanent day off? If your current employer won't embrace the four-day workweek, look for a new career that offers you the flexibility you deserve. Start by creating a free profile on Monster. Upload your resume and have recruiters find you online. Additionally, we'll send you custom job alerts that match your professional goals and lifestyle.