Experiencing Flexibility, Independence, and Perfecting Work-Life Balance: The Authentic Reality of a Four-Day Workweek Schedule
The concept of a four-day work week has gained popularity in recent years, with organizations such as Microsoft Japan, the Icelandic government, and Unilever New Zealand trialling this innovative approach. The idea, which involves paying employees 100% of their salary for less of their time, as opposed to part-time contracts, is being explored by employers, employees, policymakers, and research institutions alike.
Employees are increasingly seeking job opportunities that allow them to reclaim control over their schedule, according to The Resetting Normal Report 2021. This shift is reflected in the experiences of individuals like Diana Mussetti and Ceri Radford. Diana, who works from Monday to Thursday for 80% of her previous full-time salary, has found that she must become extremely efficient to manage her reduced schedule. Meanwhile, Ceri, who manages an editorial team at a digital communications agency, works from Monday to Thursday to spend time with her child.
However, the four-day work week is not without its challenges. Diana sometimes feels limited in her capacity to take on tasks due to her reduced hours, and Ceri experiences stress due to compressing a full-time job into fewer days. As a manager, Ceri acknowledges the added complexity of coordinating with team members who work 80% of a full-time schedule.
Research shows that overworked employees are less productive than employees working fewer hours, as demonstrated by Stanford University's in-depth study. Yet, men are less likely to ask for part-time work and more likely to face stigma if they work reduced hours. Until attitudes towards part-time work and gender roles are challenged, it will be difficult to unpick the structures that contribute to the gender pay gap.
Caroline Styr works fewer hours to have more time for her Masters and other endeavours. She is determined to prove that a four-day week can work for anyone, but recognizes the need for a total shift in mindset regarding personal worth. Caroline expects it will be challenging to maintain boundaries and ensure work doesn't bleed into her day off.
Employers should consider the real, tangible challenges they will have to overcome to make a four-day work week successful and whether it is a realistic prospect. The world of work is still a long way off from rolling out the four-day work week at any significant scale. However, the potential benefits, such as increased productivity, freedom, flexibility, balance, and a better work-life balance, could potentially pave the way towards a healthier and fairer world of work.
The successful management of the challenges and possible disadvantages of implementing a four-day week typically requires the collaboration of employers, employees willing to adapt, policymakers designing supportive frameworks, and research or evaluation institutions that analyze and refine these models based on data and feedback. The Bremen pilot project involving schools is an example of such a collaborative effort.
In conclusion, the four-day work week presents both opportunities and challenges. As we move forward, it is crucial that we address the issues surrounding part-time work, gender roles, and productivity to create a more balanced and equitable work environment for all.
