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Should we lower the work days from 5 to 4?

Juan Antonio Martínez Salas

International Business Management, Cornerstone International Community College

E4-0524-Business Communication

Dilini Podithuwakku

May 21, 2024

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Should we lower the work days from 5 to 4?

The idea of transitioning from a five-day workweek to a four-day workweek is a topic of

ongoing debate and experimentation in many workplaces. Proponents argue that it could lead to

increased productivity, improved work-life balance, reduced stress, and even environmental

benefits due to decreased commuting. However, opponents raise concerns about potential

negative impacts on businesses, such as decreased output, difficulty in maintaining customer

service levels, and the need to adjust salaries and benefits.

Firstly, it's essential to assess whether a four-day workweek is feasible and suitable for all

industries and types of work. Some sectors, such as healthcare or emergency services, require

continuous staffing and may not be conducive to a shorter workweek. Additionally, certain roles

or projects may necessitate longer hours or more days to accomplish tasks effectively.

One experiment worth mentioning is the four-day working week, where workers are

required to work four days instead of 5 with 12 hours a day rather than 9, which makes them

satisfied with the fact that they have 3 days off every week and their productivity remains the

same. The rise of the 4 day work week has been fueled by the rise of automation and data

analytics, as well as companies’ desire to give their employees more free time outside of work

hours, which helps both companies and employees to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Multiple successful start-ups worldwide are operating solely on a 4 day work week,

including Teksavvy, Panasonic, and Google, setting up new standards of maintaining work-life

balance with better productivity and growth. In this essay, we will understand the advantages and

disadvantages of the 4-day work week.

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Cons:

Potential decrease in productivity: While some studies suggest increased productivity

with shorter workweeks, others argue that productivity could decline if employees struggle to

complete their tasks within fewer hours.

Operational challenges: Adjusting to a four-day workweek may require significant

changes to schedules, workflow, and client expectations, which could pose challenges for some

businesses.

Impact on customer service: Businesses that rely on consistent customer service may find

it challenging to maintain quality service with reduced operating hours.

Salary implications: Depending on how the transition is managed, employees may see a

reduction in pay if their salaries are adjusted to reflect the shorter workweek, which could be a

concern for some workers.

Pros:

Increased productivity: Some studies suggest that shorter workweeks can lead to

increased productivity, as employees may be more focused and motivated during their shorter

workdays.

Better work-life balance: A four-day workweek can provide employees with an extra day

off each week to spend with family, pursue hobbies, or rest and recharge, leading to improved

overall well-being.

Reduced absenteeism: Employees may be less likely to take sick days or personal days if

they have more time to rest and take care of personal tasks during their extra day off.
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Environmental benefits: With fewer commuting days, there could be a reduction in

carbon emissions and traffic congestion, contributing to environmental sustainability.

A change in the working day could even make employees work twice as hard, since by

reducing time, they are limited to carrying out their activities in a shorter period. However, it is a

problem that can be solved with good planning in the work hours. work times and strategies.

Types of work day:

The choice of the type of working day is crucial for both employers and employees. Each

model has its own advantages and challenges, and finding the right balance is essential for

satisfaction and productivity. Here are some examples of work days:

Full-time: This is the traditional form of employment, with a typical duration of 8 hours a

day. This model establishes a fixed routine, allowing employees to enjoy weekends and holidays.

Part-time: Employees work less than 40 hours per week, which allows them to have more

time for other activities. This type of day is ideal for students.

Flexible schedule: Focuses on results rather than time invested. Employees have the

freedom to set their own schedules, as long as they meet established goals and deadlines.

Compressed day: In this model, the total number of work hours remains constant, but

they are distributed over fewer days per week.

Night shift: Some sectors, such as health or production, require operations 24 hours a day.

Employees who work night shifts face unique challenges in terms of health and adapting to an

unconventional schedule.
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Intensive shift: In this type of shift, employees work a standard number of hours in a

single day, but over a series of consecutive days. It is common in fields such as construction.

Ultimately, whether to adopt a four-day workweek depends on various factors including

the nature of the work, industry standards, company culture, and employee preferences. It's

essential for employers to carefully consider the potential benefits and challenges and perhaps

even pilot the concept in certain departments or teams to assess its feasibility and impact before

making a broader decision. Additionally, open communication and collaboration between

employers and employees are crucial to ensure that any changes to the workweek structure align

with the needs and goals of all stakeholders.

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References

14 April 2005. How time-flexible work policies can reduce stress, improve health, and save

money. https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.1049

May 1999. Alternate work schedules- Is this the answer to increased efficiency, safety, and productivity?.

https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=87e4c93ffd13bfc7f4cd5504ad

8f43786aef8ac7

Copyright © 2007 .Advantages and Disadvantages of Twelve-Hour Shifts: A Balanced Perspective.

https://cornettscorner.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/fatigue_12_hour_shifts.pdf