In recent years, the concept of a 4-day work week has gained significant attention as a potential solution to the modern-day challenges of stress, burnout and work-life balance. New research from the non-profit organisation 4 Day Week Global has shed light on the long-term impacts of implementing a reduced workweek. The findings not only underscore the benefits for both employees and businesses but also challenge conventional notions of work productivity.
The study conducted by 4 Day Week Global examined companies that had completed a six-month pilot programme of a 4-day work week. Surprisingly, the results showed that the positive effects extended far beyond the trial period. A year after the programme's launch, employees' average work week further decreased from a baseline of 38 hours to just 32.97 hours. This reduction of nearly a full hour from the six-month mark indicates that the initial gains in work-life balance and productivity were not temporary but rather a sustainable transformation.
Dr Dale Whelehan, CEO of 4 Day Week Global said:
“We’re delighted to see the positive experience people continue to have with the 4 day week beyond the conclusion of our pilot program. A concern we frequently hear is there’s no way the results from our six-month trials can be maintained, as the novelty eventually must wear off, but here we are a year later with benefits only continuing to grow. This is very promising for the sustainability of this model, and we look forward to tracking companies’ experiences well into the future.”
One key factor that sets this approach apart from the traditional 5-day work week is the absence of increased work intensity. Instead of cramming five days of work into four, employees operated more efficiently, leading to improved productivity. As they continued to adapt to the new schedule, their efficiency further increased, allowing for more leisure time while maintaining high productivity levels.
Equally significant were the employees' experiences and perceptions of the 4-day work week. Throughout the pilot programme and even beyond its conclusion, workers consistently rated their satisfaction with the new system at an impressive 9 out of 10. This high level of approval is a testament to the positive impact of the reduced workweek on employees' well-being and job satisfaction.
Furthermore, the study revealed noticeable improvements in workers' physical and mental health over the course of 12 months. As employees enjoyed more time for personal pursuits, hobbies, and relaxation, self-rated health measures increased. The 4-day work week allowed individuals to strike a better balance between their professional and personal lives, resulting in reduced stress levels and improved overall well-being.
While some concerns were raised about a slight increase in burnout levels in the six months following the trial, it should be noted that the overall improvements achieved during the programme were largely sustained. The slight rise in burnout was negligible compared to the broader positive effects of reduced working hours and enhanced work-life balance.
Moreover, the 4-day work week proved to be a valuable tool for attracting and retaining employees. As job seekers prioritise work-life balance and well-being, companies offering such progressive policies became highly desirable employers.
Jon Leland, Chief Strategy Officer at Kickstarter, a US-based non-profit who launched their 4 day week in 2021 said:
“The most profound impact was on employee retention. We’ve seen very few people choose to depart the company since the implementation of our 4 day week. This has dramatically improved our ability to meet objectives and key results every quarter.”
