The traditional five-day workweek has long been the standard, but an alternative work arrangement is gaining popularity: the four-day week. This innovative approach condenses the typical 40-hour workweek into four days without reducing employees' pay. As organisations explore ways to enhance work-life balance and boost productivity, the four-day week has emerged as a promising solution. To test the benefits and consequences, Unilever in New Zealand embarked on an 18-month pilot of the four-day week, monitored and measured by researchers from UTS.
Today, we'll delve into six valuable lessons from the four-day week, highlighting its benefits for employees and businesses, drawing upon the results of Unilever’s trial.
1. Increased productivity and focus:
Surprisingly, reducing work hours can lead to increased productivity. With a shorter workweek, employees often experience heightened focus and efficiency. Knowing they have fewer hours to complete tasks encourages prioritisation and time management. As a result, employees become more engaged and productive during their compressed work period, improving overall performance. In a survey of ten senior managers whose companies had trialled a four-day workweek, three of the ten managers reported no loss of productivity despite a 20% reduction in hours, while the other seven reported productivity being even higher than a typical workweek.
2. Enhanced work-life balance:
The four-day week promotes a healthier work-life balance, allowing employees to allocate an entire day to personal pursuits, family time, or self-care. This extended weekend provides ample opportunity for relaxation, pursuing hobbies, spending quality time with loved ones, or engaging in activities that promote mental and physical well-being. By fostering work-life integration, the four-day week reduces burnout, enhances job satisfaction, and increases employees’ happiness. UTS’s research at Unilever backed this up: employee stress dropped 33%, feelings of strength and vigour at work increased by 15%, and work/life conflict fell 67% over the 18-month trial.
3. Attraction and retention of top talent:
Companies that offer a four-day week often enjoy a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining skilled professionals. In today's job market, employees increasingly prioritise work-life balance and flexibility. By implementing this innovative approach, organisations demonstrate their commitment to employee well-being, which helps attract top talent and retain valuable team members.
4. Increased employee engagement and motivation:
Shortening the workweek can have a positive impact on employee engagement and motivation. Knowing they have dedicated time to pursue personal interests or enjoy leisure activities, employees return to work with renewed energy and enthusiasm. This heightened engagement fosters a positive work environment, promotes creativity, and encourages innovation. Unilever's trial showcased strong employee engagement and decreased absenteeism (by 34%), indicating higher job satisfaction and motivation.
5. Boosted company morale and loyalty:
A four-day week contributes to a positive company culture and boosts employee morale. When employees feel valued and trusted by their organisation, they develop a stronger sense of loyalty and commitment. This, in turn, leads to higher retention rates, improved teamwork, and a more supportive and collaborative work environment. These positive outcomes have led to the continuation of the trial in New Zealand while Unilever expands the trial to its Australian business.
6. Environmental and economic benefits:
Reducing the number of workdays translates into reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions. With fewer commuting days, employees save on transportation costs and contribute to a greener environment. Additionally, the four-day week could decrease traffic congestion and improve work-life balance for employees living farther away from their workplaces.
Conclusion:
The four-day week represents a transformative shift in work practices, offering numerous benefits for employees and organisations. By embracing a condensed workweek, companies can unlock increased productivity, improve work-life balance, and enhance employee well-being. The lessons learned from the four-day week highlight its potential to attract top talent, boost company morale, and contribute to a more sustainable and productive future of work. As organisations explore innovative approaches to work, the four-day week stands out as a promising strategy for success in the modern workplace.
Contact Plus UTS to see how we can help you transform your organisation.
