Eight hours a day, five days a week… For many employees across Britain and Europe, this way of working is deeply entrenched. However, the pandemic and shift to remote, hybrid, and flexible work have started to change our perceptions about the workplace. Following a successful trial in Iceland, campaigners are calling to further revolutionise the conventional work week. The concept of a four-day work week is simple: full-time employees reduce their work week by one day with no reduction in salary. This can be implemented through compressed working hours or by reducing the working week to an average of 32 hours.
Benefits of the Four-Day Work Week
For professionals in communications, marketing, or digital fields, the appeal is clear—less time at the desk with no reduction in income. Extending the weekend could contribute to better work-life balance and help reduce stress and burnout.
Increased Productivity
Overworked employees are significantly less efficient than those working a regular week. A trial study in New Zealand showed that during a four-day week, productivity levels were maintained, and there was an improvement in job satisfaction, loyalty, and teamwork, along with lower stress levels.
Employee Engagement, Recruitment & Retention
Reduced work hours can lead to happier, more dependable, and committed employees. More time to reset and recharge allows workers to better care for their mental and physical health, reducing sick leave. A four-day work week could make companies more appealing to candidates, especially in a climate where flexibility is a priority.
Equality in the Workplace
Approximately two million Britons are not employed due to childcare responsibilities, with almost nine in ten being women. A four-day week could help promote equality by allowing employees to spend more time with their families and juggle care and work commitments more effectively.
Environmental Impact & Cost Reduction
Reducing the working week can decrease the carbon footprint of employees and the organisation. Fewer journeys mean fewer emissions, while energy savings from reduced office use contribute to environmental benefits.
Disadvantages of the Four-Day Work Week
While the societal and environmental benefits are clear, there are drawbacks. Implementing a four-day week requires support, technology, and a shift in workplace culture.
Not Suitable for Every Business Model
A four-day work week is not viable for every business. Industries like hospitality or emergency services may need to hire more staff to operate at full capacity, making the transition expensive. This may involve additional staff or investment in technological advancements.
Customer Satisfaction
Clients are the focus, and if they cannot access services, reduced working hours may not be the answer. AI-powered websites, chatbots, or shift reorganisation could be considered before dismissing the idea entirely.
Compressed Hours
While a true four-day week should mean reduced hours with no income difference, many employers may still expect 40-hour weeks. Longer shifts could negatively impact employees’ stress levels, wellbeing, and productivity.
Is Adopting a Four-Day Workweek Realistic?
The New Economics Foundation recommends a shorter working week to address unemployment, high carbon emissions, low wellbeing, inequalities, overworking, family care, and lack of leisure time. As we aim to build a greener, more sustainable economy, a four-day work week seems more achievable. While not all sectors are ready, the average working hours have decreased significantly over the years. Cutting working hours by one-fifth may not be as revolutionary as it seems.
If you face unexpected challenges or are preparing for a transitional period and need more help, get in touch today. VMA GROUP can help you source the best interim, contract, and temporary professionals who can make a real difference to your organisation.
****VMA GROUP is a leading international interim, contract, temporary, and permanent recruitment and executive search specialist. We focus on providing support to the communications, marketing, digital, and change communities. Our specialist practice areas cover communications, corporate communications, internal communications, change communications, PR, media relations, financial communications, CSR, public affairs, investor relations, marketing, brand, digital marketing, and agency services. We have a reputation for providing expert consultancy services and advice, supported by in-depth knowledge of the professions we recruit for. Our thought leadership and benchmarking studies have become go-to resources for the communications, marketing, digital, and change industries, supporting planning and decision-making for organisations of all shapes and sizes. In the UK, VMA GROUP has offices in London, Bristol, and Manchester, and in Europe, VMA GROUP has offices in Amsterdam and Brussels, but we work with organisations and individuals on a global basis. VMA GROUP is committed to equal opportunities and is an Inclusive+ Recruiter.
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