SLIDE 1

A four-day workweek is an arrangement where a workplace or place of education has its

employees or students work or attend school, college or university over the course of four days
per week rather than the more customary five-day workweek. This arrangement can be a part of
flexible working hours, and is sometimes used to cut costs.
The four-day week movement has grown considerably in recent years, with increasing numbers
of businesses and organisations around the world trialling and moving permanently to a four-
day working week of around 32 hours, with no less pay for workers

SLIDE 2
A four-day work week has many potential pros and cons, including:
Pros :-
• Productivity: Employees may be more productive when working fewer days per week. A 2019
Microsoft Japan study found that a four-day work week increased employee productivity by
40%.
• Employee well-being: A 2020 Gallup poll found that employees who worked a four-day work
week reported the lowest level of job burnout.
• Environmental benefits: A four-day work week can reduce each employee's carbon footprint by
eliminating commute pollution.
• Reduced costs: Office running costs can drop significantly because the office is closed one
extra day a week. Employees may also pay less to commute and spend less on lunch and
coffee.

SLIDE 3
Cons :-
• Scheduling: Scheduling meetings and managing internal needs may be more difficult.
• Potential for increased workload: There may be a potential for increased workload.
• Customer service challenges: There may be challenges with customer service.
• Implementation difficulties: There may be difficulties with implementation.

SLIDE 4
A four-day work week can be implemented in a variety of ways, and the best approach will
depend on a company's needs and goals:
Schedule
A common structure is four 8–10 hour days with three days off in a row. Other options include:
• Staggered days off: Divide employees into two groups with different days off.
• Rotating schedules: Rotate days off among teams.
• Permanent non-working day: Make Friday a permanent non-working day.
• Mid-week break: Add a day off in the middle of the week, like Wednesday.

SLIDE 5
Hours
Employees can maintain full-time hours over fewer days, or work fewer hours over fewer days
without a pay reduction.
Remote work
Some companies may allow employees to work remotely or have flexible schedules.
Employee buy-in
Get employees on board by highlighting the benefits of the four-day work week.
Legal compliance
Ensure the policy complies with labor laws.
Operational needs
Consider how the four-day work week fits with the company's operational needs and strategic
goals.

SLIDE 6
Here are some companies that have implemented a four-day work week:
Kickstarter
The New York-based crowdfunding platform announced a pilot program for a four-day work
week, with employees receiving the same pay.
Panasonic
The multinational electronics manufacturer announced an optional four-day work week in
response to economic policy guidelines that encouraged employers to support a better work-life
balance.
Elephant Ventures
The tech-focused venture capital firm shifted to a four-day work week of four 10-hour days, and
also transitioned to fully remote work.
Goosechase
The software company implemented a four-day work week in June 2021, and plans to continue
with it.
Microsoft Japan
In 2019, Microsoft Japan experimented with a four-day work week and observed a 40%
increase in productivity.
Nectafy
The content and marketing company adopted a 32-hour workweek in January 2020, and is now
100% remote.

SLIDE 7
Lamborghini’s European Automotive Shift:
In December 2023, luxury carmaker Lamborghini broke new ground in the European automotive
industry by announcing a four-day work week for its production workers without a reduction in
pay. This move reflects a departure from the industry norm and signals a growing trend in
prioritizing employee well-being.
Microsoft Japan’s Productivity Boost:
Microsoft Japan‘s 2019 trial of the four day work week resulted in an astounding 40% increase
in productivity, leading to a permanent adoption of the policy. While the U.S. offices may not
have followed suit yet, the success in Japan suggests a potential shift in the broader business
landscape.
Unilever New Zealand’s Flexibility Initiative:
Unilever New Zealand embraced the 4 day work week, allowing employees to work four days
while receiving pay for five. This initiative aimed to enhance flexibility and promote a healthy
work-life balance. Positive feedback from employees highlighted increased engagement and
motivation, showcasing the benefits of this alternative work structure.

SLIDE 8
Sander van 't Noordende,
CEO of global HR consulting firm Randstad, said the four-day working week was “a business
imperative” in a world where talent is scarce.
Urging a change in employer attitudes, he said bosses should treat employees as customers.
“Your customer, you ask what they want and you try to do the best possible job for your
customer. You should treat talent in an equal way.” he said.
Randstad’s research showed that half of all employees were willing to quit their jobs if they were
not happy at work. Flexible hours and hybrid working – combining time spent in the office and
remotely – was a proven way to increase job satisfaction, van 't Noordende added.

SLIDE 9
Grace Tallon,
chief operating officer (COO) at Work Time Reduction, indicated that “mindset plays a
significant role in moving to a shorter work week. The standard five-day week and eight-hour-
day work structure are very deeply ingrained, and with it an approach which often uses hours as
an ineffective proxy for productivity, and which rewards performative busyness over efficiency. It
takes a substantial shift in mindset to imbed new norms, habits and behaviors to adopt a
reduced-hour, outcomes-focused work model.”

SLIDE 10
But some business leaders propose other perspective like
Narayana Murthy,
the founder of Infosys, has said that he worked long hours throughout his career, including up to
14 hours per day, six and a half days a week:
Work schedule
Murthy said he would arrive at the office at 6:30 AM and leave at 8:40 PM. He said he was
proud of his work ethic and commitment to professional growth.
Beliefs
Murthy believes that personal sacrifices in time and leisure are worthwhile when dedicated to a
larger purpose, such as building a successful organization or contributing to national
development.
Comments on India's work culture
Murthy has expressed dissatisfaction with India's transition from a six-day to five-day workweek
in 1986. He has also urged Indian youth to work 70 hours weekly to boost national productivity
and compete globally.
Previous work hours
Murthy has said that he worked 85-90 hours weekly until 1994 when Infosys maintained a six-
day schedule.

SLIDE 11
Conclusion
The emergence of the 4-day work week signals a transformative evolution in modern work
culture, promising increased efficiency and a better work-life balance. While enticing, its
implementation requires careful deliberation, especially concerning industry requirements,
employee preferences, and potential financial impacts. Organizations contemplating this shift
must assess its compatibility with their operational needs and strategic goals, ensuring a
balance between productivity enhancement and sustainable workforce management