Compiled by Vraj Dani
The recent buzz is around the 4 day work week and whether it should be implemented or not?
There are some pros and cons associated with the 4-Day Work week.
Across the world, companies large and small are experimenting with the idea of a four-day work week. In New Zealand, consumer goods corporation Unilever is halfway through its 12-month test run of a shorter work week. In March, Spain became one of the first countries in the world to test a four-day working week in a pilot project featuring several dozen companies. In 2022, the fundraising company Kickstarter will begin testing out the four-day work week with its employees.
When the pandemic started, social media scheduling company Buffer launched its own four-day work week, giving employees an extra day off each week without reducing their pay. The company launched the experiment on a whim and may never return to a full five-day work week.
Let us have a look at 4-Day work week’s advantages
Advantages of 4 Day Work Week
Increased productivity:
Employees may be more focused and productive when they have a longer break between workdays. If the working days are shorter than the usual ones than It was found that Increases productivity and efficiency of
Improved work-life balance:
A 4-day work week can give employees more time to pursue hobbies and spend time with their families. It also provides time to one for exercising, finishing any course, to volunteer.
Reduced absenteeism:
Employees may be less likely to take time off if they have a longer break between workdays. One might also feel more energetic or motivated as they only have to work for 4 days and will be having 3 days off for the whole week.
Cost savings:
Employers may be able to save on expenses such as utilities and office supplies if the business is closed for an extra day each week.
Fewer Distractions at work:
It was found that even though workers work for less time, employees spent 35% less time on nonwork websites. Because employees had more time to manage their household and life responsibilities outside work, nonwork responsibilities were much less likely to intrude on the workday.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to a 4 day work week:
4 Day Work Week Drawbacks
Reduced pay:
Employees may receive less pay if they are working fewer days per week.
Increased workload:
Employees may have to work longer hours on the days they do work in order to get everything done.
Difficulty coordinating with other businesses:
A 4-day work week may make it more difficult to coordinate with businesses that operate on a traditional 5 day schedule.
Not All Industries Can participate:
Some of the industries require 24/7 presence or other similar scheduling for optimal flow, making a four day week hard to implement.
Risk is expensive:
One of the most glaring drawbacks for employers is the cost risk associated with a 4-day week, especially if employers fail to meet work requirements.
So, 4-day work week is like a double-edged sword with their own benefits associated and also with some drawbacks. Seems beneficial from an employee’s point of view but is also like a disadvantage to the employer’s point of view.
