Although the concept of a four-day workweek may be new to many, interestingly, some companies like Think Productive, a business management consultancy adopted it since 2011. Seven lessons learnt from these companies that implemented a four-day workweek are listed below
1. The status quo of working practices is no longer suitable
Unlike in the past, women were simply home keepers, but currently, a good number of them are working class ladies. This has obviously affected families and marriages, where both parents leave home five times in a week leaving their children in the hands of strangers in the name of nanies. This has led to abridged communication in homes, soiled relationships, increased rate of divorce and single parents which has also affected the society negatively.
2. Overworking and unrealistic expectations on staff time is counter productive
New York estate lawyers like every other employee will be more loyal to an employer who has the interest of the employees at heart. Employee loyalty is a basic requirement for the success and growth of any company or business. The need to replace employees regularly affects every company negatively. Of which it takes more efforts, time and money to replace professionals like New York estate lawyers.
Initially, there may seem to be a slight drop in sales and profit due to reduced number of working days which is easily measured by employers. However, on the long run, the benefits outweigh such initial drop in profit. Meanwhile, overworked and exhausted employees work grudgingly to fulfill all righteousness without putting in their best and this in turn affects the organization at large negatively.
3. Undue stress results in apathy and diminishes passion
A young New York estate lawyer had received a 30 page report from her doctor who recommended that she work only 4 days in a week. Because of physical and mental illnesses as a result of overworking and stressing herself although her employer had permitted her to work just four days in a week when she asked for it, however, her permission to work four days in a week was with a 20% reduction in her salary. Many employees out there are faced with similar situation every day. As a result, they lose focus and interest in their jobs.
4. Employers and employees can both have a win-win situation
A good and talented New York estate lawyer for instance, would choose a firm where he or she can work without undue pressure have time for self-development and enjoy the liberty to have a happy home either as a husband or wife. And of course such firms get to enjoy having good and brilliant employees work for them.
5. Many protocols are unnecessary sources of pressure
A four-day results in limited working hours hence, it streamlines the workflow to the core and essentials processes and limits time wasted in long and boring meetings which end up with everyone exhausted and frustrated in some cases. Think Productive, a consultancy in business management implemented the four-day workweek early. They implemented the policy since 2011 and they have confirmed that longer weekends help staff return on a Monday refreshed and motivated to work.
6. The four-day workweek can be considered an incentive for employees
Perpetual Guardian, a company based in New Zealand which renders financial services did a test run on the four-day workweek in 2018 and it recorded a 7% drop in stress levels of staff, while the work-life balance recorded an increase from 54% to 78%. With a set of motivated and happy employees, it recorded a 20% rise in productivity and much more, the four-day workweek helped increase the profits and the well-being of its staff.
7. Improved work-life for employees implies increased productivity for companies
Microsoft Japan after test running the four-day workweek recorded a productivity jump of 40%, more efficient meetings and a workforce who are happier and satisfied doing their jobs.
FAQS:
Question: Are companies embracing the four-day workweek?
Answer: Yes, they are. Looking at records from 2011 till date
Question: Do you think it will be a standard anytime soon?
Answer: Hopefully, with the benefits that come with it, many companies are buying into it.
Question: How much do employers get to lose?
Answer: I would say nothing really, looking at the long term benefits. It’s a win-win situation.
