How often do you need to be at the office? How often have you attended a meeting that could have been an email? Are you really that productive on a late Friday afternoon? More and more companies find that the five-day workweek isn’t as effective as they once thought. The four-day workweek may be a significantly better working arrangement.
But are there real-world examples of companies that have successfully made the switch? The answer is yes — and they’re not small companies either. These companies are some of the biggest names in their industries:
- Microsoft Japan
- Perpetual Guardian
- Shake Shack
- Treehouse
- Elephant Insurance
- Wildbit
- 4 Day Week
- Treehouse
Key Takeaways
- A growing number of companies worldwide are successfully implementing a four-day workweek to boost employee productivity, engagement, and work-life balance.
- Examples of companies that have made the switch include Perpetual Guardian, Microsoft Japan, and Shake Shack.
- Positive outcomes of the four-day workweek include increased productivity, improved employee satisfaction, reduced turnover, and lower operating costs.
- Companies considering a switch to a four-day workweek should carefully assess their operational needs, workforce preferences, and business model to ensure a smooth and beneficial transition.
Discover how companies around the world are reaping the benefits of a four-day workweek by exploring our article, which covers real-world examples and success stories. You’ll learn about the experiences of companies like Perpetual Guardian, Microsoft Japan, and Shake Shack as they transitioned to shorter workweeks. Find out how these organizations increased productivity, improved employee satisfaction, and reduced turnover, all while lowering operating costs
. Gain valuable insights into the factors that can contribute to the successful implementation of a four-day workweek, and be inspired to consider this innovative approach for your own organization. Dive into the article and explore the potential advantages of embracing a four-day workweek.
Benefits of the Four-Day Workweek
The four-day workweek is a way to improve work-life balance and increase productivity.
The four-day workweek creates a better balance between an employee’s home and work life, improving their productivity and well-being. The four-day workweek’s benefits can be summarized as follows:
- Improved work-life balance
- Increased productivity
- Enhanced employee satisfaction and retention
- Better work relationships
- Create a positive environmental impact
Improved work-life balance
Employees need time off to rest and recharge. Businesses must face the fact that employees have lives and responsibilities outside of the office. That could mean family responsibilities, community work, self-fulfillment, etc. An extra day helps employees balance their personal lives with their work.
The four-day workweek also benefits the physical and mental health of employees. The extra time to rest or do activities other than work decreases employee stress significantly. And in short, healthier, happy employees do better at work.
Kevin Hammond, CEO at Developrec London, also said, “Our business-wide quarterly Pulse Survey results showed us the importance of work-life balance, and the leadership team at developrec have listened. ”
Increased Productivity
Fewer hours don’t necessarily mean a decrease in productivity. Many employees working a four-day workweek report being more focused and motivated at the office. As we asked: how many people are at their best when they’re working on a Friday afternoon?
It comes down to the quality of work over the quantity of work. It’s beneficial for a company to have employees able to give their 100% for four days rather than be exhausted for five.
Enhanced Employee Satisfaction and Retention
Offering a four-day workweek can attract the best talents in your industry. More people — especially employees — understand the benefit of work-life balance and flexibility. The best people are going to want that for themselves. Offering a four-day workweek may set you apart from your competitors.
The critical factor will be that your employees aren’t signing up with you for the money — they’re signing up because they think your company is worth their time. Employees who want to be in your company will likely be more satisfied, loyal, and less likely to leave.
David, a security analyst, also said, “The results show employees were happier (lower stress & better health) and about 15% of employees said they wouldn’t go back to a 5-day workweek for any amount of money. A third of the companies participating in the study decided to stay with the 4-day work week, saying they had lower turnover and staff burnout.”
More and more companies are also shifting from the traditional setup to this new work arrangement. The incoming generation of people entering the workforce has different needs, priorities, and work ethics. We recommend our article, “The Benefits of Workplace Flexibility: A Win-win for Employers and Employees,” for a more in-depth look at how to have a more flexible workplace.
Better Relationships Within the Company
Having fewer working hours can foster stronger bonds in the workplace. Relaxed employees will be better able to work with and connect, increasing team cohesion. A more cohesive team can support itself better, decreasing employee fatigue and burnout.
Another valuable point is that your employees will feel cared for by the company and its owners. This feeling is crucial — no worker wants to stay in an organization that aims to use and burn out its people. A company’s workers are its most valuable assets, so caring for them is critical.
But we’re also aware of employees who perform as asked without doing extra work. To address this phenomenon, we’ve written an article, “The Rise of Quietly Quitting: How to Recognize and Prevent Employee Burnout.”
Positive Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of a four-day workweek isn’t as noticeable, but they’re still there. We can consider these benefits to be:
- A 20% reduction in office electrical costs per week
- Fewer employees use transportation
- A decrease in traffic congestion, especially in urban areas
As Phil McParlane said, “In the recent 4 day work week (32 hrs) pilot, here’s how commuting times were affected: – UK: 10% less travel – USA: 27% less travel.”
Successful Four-Day Workweek Examples
We’ve looked at the theory, but it would mean little without seeing the practice in action. These nine companies have tried the four-day workweek and found that the setup works very well.
Microsoft Japan
In 2019, Microsoft Japan conducted a “Work-Life Choice Challenge Summer 2019” experiment, which involved implementing a four-day workweek for the month of August.
Microsoft Japan experienced a 40% increase in productivity, and its employees took fewer days off. These numbers show that the four-day workweek improves employee work-life balance, increases productivity, and makes people happier.
Buffer
Buffer, a social media management software company, has been operating on a four-day workweek since 2020. The company implemented a compressed work schedule where employees work four days a week and have three days off. Buffer reported that their employees were more productive and had better work-life balance after implementing the four-day workweek.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack, a popular fast-food chain in the United States, introduced a four-day workweek for their corporate office employees in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company aimed to provide its employees with increased flexibility and more time to rest. The four-day workweek greatly benefited employees and improved their work-life balance.
Perpetual Guardian
Perpetual Guardian, a trust management company based in New Zealand, shifted to a four-day workweek without reducing employee pay in 2018. They conducted a trial where employees worked four days a week but received pay for five days. The trial was a resounding success — its employees were happier overall and more productive.
Elephant Insurance
Elephant Insurance, an auto insurance company in the United States, introduced a four-day workweek for their employees in 2020. The company implemented a compressed work schedule where employees worked four days a week and had three days off. Elephant Insurance reported improved employee morale, increased productivity, and higher retention rates after implementing the four-day workweek.
Wildbit
Wildbit, a software company based in the United States, has been operating on a four-day workweek since 2017. The company implemented a compressed work schedule where employees work four days a week. There were no increases in hours per day, so each employee still only worked eight hours — the same as in a five-day setup. Wildbit reported that their employees were more focused and motivated, resulting in increased productivity and higher job satisfaction despite working only 32 hours a week instead of 40.
The Lab Saigon
The Lab Saigon, a digital agency based in Vietnam, adopted a four-day workweek in 2015. The company implemented a compressed work schedule where employees worked four days a week and had three days off. The Lab Saigon reported increased productivity and creativity among their employees, and the company’s founder, Chris Elkin, stated that the four-day workweek positively impacted the company’s bottom line.
4 Day Week
4 Day Week is a New Zealand-based software company specializing in productivity tools.
The company’s core belief revolves around a four-day workweek, where employees work for four days and enjoy three days off. They view this modern approach as revolutionary and beneficial for everyone in the workplace. They also leverage their technology and productivity software expertise to accomplish tasks more efficiently.
As 4 Day Week CEO Dr. Dale Whelehan said, “our research which shows reduced working hours is better for everyone, and how we can leverage technology to reduce working hours.”
Treehouse
Treehouse, an online technology education company, has been practicing a four-day workweek since its inception. The company has a policy where employees work four days a week, with Fridays off.
Treehouse believes the shorter workweek gives employees a better work-life balance, fosters creativity, and reduces stress. The company has reported high levels of employee satisfaction and retention and is a prime example of a successful implementation of a four-day workweek.
How to Successfully Implement the Four-Day Workweek
1. Foster a Supportive Working Environment
It’s crucial to create a supportive environment when introducing a four-day workweek. Encourage open discussions and employee feedback, and be responsive to their concerns and suggestions. There is also a need to support employees to adapt and thrive in their new work arrangement. Companies should do the following:
- Prioritize employee well-being, which is critical to maximizing productivity
- Build team cohesion through cross-team projects and team-building activities
- Encourage diversity of ideas
2. Establish Clear Performance Expectations
Implementing a four-day workweek requires effort from the employer and employee alike. The employees enjoy reduced working hours but still have to be productive.
The best way to ensure that your employees can make good use of their time at work is by setting clear objectives and deadlines. This technique helps your employees organize and manage their time and energy.
It can also be beneficial to provide and request regular feedback. The four-day workweek may be a new setup or unfamiliar environment to some, but its benefits are undeniable. There may be some challenges as your company transitions, but finding out what works best for everyone will be worthwhile.
3. Monitor and Evaluate
Regular monitoring and evaluation are crucial to measuring the effectiveness of the four-day workweek. Collect feedback from employees, supervisors, and other stakeholders to identify any challenges or areas of improvement.
Of course, you should also monitor and evaluate your employees and be sensitive to their needs. People respond differently to different working conditions. Some employees may take to the new setup quickly, while others prefer more traditional arrangements. The critical thing to do as an employer is to provide sufficient guidance and ensure that your company can meet your employee’s needs.
4. Celebrate Successes
Celebrating successes is a crucial aspect of implementing a four-day workweek. Acknowledge and appreciate the achievements and contributions of employees working under this new arrangement.
Share success stories and positive outcomes with the entire organization to promote a positive culture around the four-day workweek. Celebrating successes can motivate employees, boost morale, and encourage continued commitment to the new work arrangement.
5. Address Challenges
Implementing a four-day workweek may come with challenges. Be prepared to address any issues that may arise along the way. Listen to feedback from employees and be responsive to their concerns. If there are any obstacles or roadblocks, take proactive steps to find solutions and overcome them. Proactively addressing challenges can ensure a smooth transition to the four-day workweek.
6. Evaluate Employee Well-Being
The goal of a four-day workweek is an improvement in work-life balance and employee well-being. Regularly evaluate the impact of the new work arrangement on employee well-being. Check in with employees to assess their satisfaction, stress levels, and overall happiness. Use this feedback to continuously improve the work arrangement and adjust as necessary to ensure it benefits employees.
7. Provide Opportunities for Professional Development
Continuous learning and professional development are essential for growth and success in any industry. You should invest in your employees’ development by providing opportunities for training, workshops, and skill-building programs.
Offering avenues for employees to enhance their skills, knowledge, and expertise boosts their performance and enhances their job satisfaction and motivation. To know more about this, we’ve written an article titled: “How to Upskill Your Employees”.
It would be best to encourage employees to take ownership of their professional growth and provide resources and support to help them reach their full potential.
8. Implement Efficient Time Management Practices
Time is a non-renewable resource — no one can get lost time back. Making the most of it is critical to making the most of a four-day workweek.
Educating staff members on work prioritization, deadline setting, and the dangers of multitasking can boost output and efficiency. Employee time management can also be aided by providing tools and resources to streamline workflow, such as time-tracking and project management software.
Here are some pointers for using your time more effectively at work:
a. Prioritize Tasks
It would help if you encourage your employees to prioritize their tasks based on urgency and importance. This method involves setting clear goals and deadlines for each task and organizing them in order of priority. Having clear goals helps your people prioritize where and how they work so they can focus on critical, urgent tasks rather than low-priority ones. Ultimately, prioritization comes down to a careful balance of urgency, importance, and how long it takes to perform a task. Some tasks are less critical but can be completed quickly, while an important task might need the whole workday.
b. Plan and Schedule
Emphasize the importance of planning and scheduling work in advance. Some ways to improve planning include a to-do list, setting deadlines, or a calendar. Several digital tools are available to make this even more efficient, such as Trello’s card-based system.
A clear plan helps employees stay organized and focused and ensures that your people can complete essential tasks on time.
c. Avoid Multitasking
Multitasking has never been a productive way to work. Employees who multitask will be doing several activities inefficiently and can do none of them well. As an employer, you can mitigate multitasking through prioritization and decreasing the daily workload of your employees. Indicate what’s necessary for the day, and find out what your people can realistically accomplish within their working hours.
d. Minimize Interruptions
Interruptions can disrupt workflow and derail productivity. Encourage your employees to minimize disruptions by setting clear boundaries, such as closing unnecessary tabs or silencing non-work notifications during focused work time.
Take note that micromanagement is also a disruption that severely affects employee productivity. Micromanaging an employee is a waste of both their time and yours.
e. Delegate and Collaborate
Delegating tasks to appropriate team members and collaborating with colleagues can help distribute workload and improve overall productivity. Encourage employees to collaborate with team members, delegate appropriate tasks, and leverage each other’s strengths to achieve collective goals.
Should You Implement a Four-Day Workweek?
Do a quick analysis of your company. Can it do the following?
- support its employees
- take advantage of the setup’s advantages
- work around the differences compared to the five-day workweek
The evidence that a four-day workweek benefits both a company and its employees is undeniable. However, it’s also vital to temper your expectations. There is no magical working setup that solves all productivity problems. The four-day workweek is a potent tool, so if you can do the above, then the answer is definitely yes.
Related Questions:
Q. Would a four-day workweek be more convenient for employees?
A. A four-day workweek could provide employees with increased convenience, acknowledging their need for work-life balance. Prioritizing the human element and recognizing the importance of work-life integration can create a positive work environment.
Q. Would a four-day workweek reduce operational costs?
A. Implementing a four-day workweek has the potential to reduce operational costs for companies. By condensing work hours into fewer days, employers can save on expenses such as utilities, office supplies, and other overhead costs.
MEMA consultancy reiterated this by saying, “According to current research, this system reduces the costs of companies while increasing employee satisfaction. “
Reduced work hours may contribute to improved employee satisfaction and productivity too. Which can lead to better business outcomes. Careful consideration and planning can help organizations effectively implement a four-day workweek and achieve cost savings while prioritizing the well-being of their employees.
Q Do employees like a four-day workweek?
A. Employees generally express positive sentiments towards a four-day workweek. Many employees appreciate the idea of having more control over their time and the opportunity to achieve better work-life integration.
Of course, preferences may vary among employees based on their individual circumstances, job roles, and organizational cultures. Some employees may prefer a traditional five-day workweek, while others may find a four-day workweek challenging due to longer work hours on those four days or increased workload compression.
FAQs Covered in this Article
Q: Which companies have successfully implemented a four-day workweek?
A: Companies like Perpetual Guardian, Microsoft Japan, and Shake Shack have successfully made the switch to a four-day workweek.
Q: What are the benefits of implementing a four-day workweek?
A: Benefits include increased productivity, improved employee satisfaction, reduced turnover, and lower operating costs.
Q: How can a company successfully transition to a four-day workweek?
A: A successful transition involves clear communication, employee buy-in, and an adaptable approach that considers the unique needs and goals of the organization.
Q: Do all industries and companies benefit from a four-day workweek?
A: Although many companies have seen success, a four-day workweek might not be suitable for all industries or businesses. It is essential to analyze the specific requirements and objectives of the organization before making a decision.
Q: How has the four-day workweek impacted employee productivity?
A: In some cases, companies have reported a significant increase in productivity, like Microsoft Japan, which experienced a 40% boost in productivity after implementing a four-day workweek.
Q: Can a four-day workweek help companies attract top talent?
A: Yes, offering a four-day workweek can make a company more attractive to prospective employees who value work-life balance and are seeking a progressive work environment.
Q: Does a four-day workweek impact employee mental health positively?
A: A shorter workweek can lead to reduced stress levels and improved mental health for employees, as they have more time to recharge and engage in personal activities.
Q: How does a four-day workweek affect a company’s environmental footprint?
A: By reducing the number of days employees commute and the amount of energy consumed in the workplace, a four-day workweek can help decrease a company’s overall environmental impact.
