The 5-day work week could be considered as outdated and a more traditional way of working with the introduction of the 4-day work week trial. But how can employees still get the same amount of work done in less days? Is this really beneficial for employers?
The evolution of technology and the adaptation of the way we work since the pandemic has encouraged improvements for our day-to-day employment which make the 4-day work week possible. If you’re sceptical, here’s why you should implement it for your business.
Benefits of a 4-Day Work Week:
Cut Costs from Every Angle
With the office being closed for an extra day every week, this means running costs of the building would be reduced. This includes all energy utilities such as heating and cooling, plus electricity and internet connectivity. Employees would also be paying less to commute which, in turn, would lead to other expenses like lunch and coffees being cut too.
Create a Smaller Carbon Footprint
In the same way that less commuting and less energy usage would contribute to lower costs, it also has the same impact on business carbon footprints. Shortening the work week by 1 day would have a significant effect on the environment due to reduction in energy usage and carbon dioxide emissions.
Guarantee Happier Employees
A 4-day work week would mean a 3-day weekend and for employees this would make a huge difference to their work-life balance. Giving them more free time to do what they love and reset for the new week would increase their happiness not only at home, but at work too. This would consequently result in longevity and loyalty amongst the team, with significantly lower employee turnover.
Reduce Employee Health Issues
Following on from the point above, the extended weekend would have a positive impact on employee mental health. With the extra time, wellbeing would be improved and stress levels would be reduced, therefore less sick leave would be taken. Greater engagement would also be achieved resulting in an increase in productivity levels.
Increase Productivity Levels
This is the answer to the “how can employees still get the same amount of work done in less days?” question. A happier employee is a more engaged employee which, in turn, makes them more productive. Unhappy and overworked employees tend to lose focus and distract other employees. The comparison is significant and this would be how the same – if not more – work would get done in less days.
Improve Recruitment Opportunities
In addition to increasing employee retention, by implementing a 4-day work week, you would also attract more potential employees. A flexible work pattern is more desired nowadays anyway but offering a 4-day work week is one of the best ways to persuade candidates to join your company.
Create an Equal Workplace
According to the Government Equalities Office research on the Gender Pay Gap, around 2 million British people are unemployed due to childcare responsibilities – and 89% of these are women. By providing a 4-day work week, you would be providing more opportunities for parents to organise childcare and work commitments and creating an equal workplace.
So, to answer the other question, “is a 4-day work week really beneficial to employers?”, these 7 benefits provide a lot of scope to what one less workday a week can impact. As a small business, it’s always important to keep an open mind and don’t be completely closed off from the idea.
The business world is continually evolving and the Chamber of Business is always keeping up to date with developments, visit the Chamber of Business website
