The Pros and Cons of the Four-Day Workweek

There have indeed been some successful trials of the four-day workweek in the UK in recent years. For example, a UK-based digital marketing agency called Wildheart Media implemented a four-day workweek for its staff in 2019 and reported a 30% increase in productivity, as well as improved staff morale and a reduction in sick days. In another example, a Scottish company called Pursuit Marketing also implemented a four-day workweek and reported a 30% increase in productivity, as well as a reduction in staff turnover.  

Is the four-day workweek the answer, is it possible for every organization, what is the impact on employee burnout? There’s obviously a lot of questions, so we’re diving headfirst into what it could look like for every weekend to become a long weekend and what the pros and cons of four-vs-five day workweeks are. 

The Pros

By reducing the number of workdays in a week, employees may feel less stressed and more refreshed, leading to higher productivity and better job satisfaction. Additionally, having an extra day off can provide much-needed time for personal and family responsibilities, which can lead to a better work-life balance. In some cases, a shorter workweek may even lead to cost savings for the company, as fewer workdays mean lower overhead expenses.

Imagine the impact of reducing your carbon footprint by 20% by forgoing the commute; there are a lot of positives here. 

The Cons

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. For one, a four-day workweek may not be feasible for all industries or job types. Certain roles, such as those in healthcare or public safety, may require round-the-clock coverage and cannot accommodate a reduced workweek. Imagine this, “sorry, no ambulances on Friday.”

Additionally, a shorter workweek may not necessarily translate into fewer work hours for employees – they may end up working longer hours during the days they are in the office to make up for the lost day. At that point, is it really a four-day workweek or five days crammed into four.

Burnout

Now, let’s turn to the impact of a four-day workweek on employee burnout. While a shorter workweek may seem like a surefire way to combat burnout, it’s not always that simple. Burnout is often caused by a combination of factors, including workload, lack of control over one’s work, and workplace culture. A four-day workweek may provide some relief in terms of workload, but it doesn’t necessarily address these other factors.  

Furthermore, the transition to a four-day workweek may actually create more stress and burnout in the short term. During the transition period, employees may be required to work longer hours or take on additional responsibilities to ensure that work is completed on time. This can lead to increased stress and fatigue, which can contribute to burnout. 

One of the greatest antidotes to burnout is autonomy. By giving an employee the autonomy to effectively manage their day and their workload. Through flexibility, you provide them with the freedom to make decisions that promote rest. 

The top three ways to prevent burnout in the workplace are: 

1. Encourage work-life balance:

One of the main causes of burnout is overworking, so it’s essential to promote a healthy work-life balance. Encourage employees to take breaks throughout the day, and make sure they are taking time off outside of work hours. This can include offering flexible working hours or allowing employees to work remotely, which can help them better manage their personal responsibilities. 

Imagine this, you’re a single parent starting a new job, moving to a brand-new city, and facing a number of immensely challenging, high stakes situations that are beyond your control. The fear of how your new employers may respond to the relocation that is taking place and the personal responsibilities that lay on your shoulders is very real and you’re wondering how it is all going to work out. 

This was Britt River’s story, or more accurately, this was the mountain Britt was facing when she joined Titus. Experience Britt’s story here as part of our Work / Life Series.

2. Provide support and resources:

Burnout can also be caused by feeling overwhelmed and unsupported. To prevent this, provide resources and support to help employees manage their workload and mental health. This can include offering training programs, coaching, mentoring, and counseling services. It’s also important to ensure that employees have the resources they need to do their job effectively, such as proper equipment and training. 

3. Foster a positive workplace culture:

The workplace culture plays a significant role in employee well-being. To prevent burnout, it’s important to foster a culture that values work-life balance, promotes open communication, and encourages teamwork. Create opportunities for employees to socialize and build relationships with each other, and recognize and reward employees for their hard work and contributions. 

By implementing these strategies, employers can create a workplace environment that is supportive and healthy, which can help prevent burnout and promote employee well-being. 

The Bottom Line

So, what’s the bottom line? A four-day workweek can be a great way to improve employee morale and work-life balance, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.  

Overall, it seems that the success of a four-day workweek trial depends on a variety of factors, including the industry, the specific job roles, and the organizational culture. Companies that are considering implementing a four-day workweek should carefully assess their unique situation and weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks before making a decision. 

Additionally, it’s important to address the root causes of burnout – workload, lack of control, and workplace culture – to truly make a difference in employee well-being. 

At Titus Talent Strategies, we believe in helping companies find the best solutions for their unique talent strategy needs. Whether it’s a four-day workweek or another approach, we can help you create a workplace culture that supports employee health, happiness, and productivity.