A four-day work week occurs when an employee works for four days a week; hence, most employees can work from Monday to Thursday.
In the year, 1922 The Ford Motor Company tested the benefits of a four day work week in the United States of America.
Such programs have been unveiled at Unilever New Zealand, Microsoft Japan and Iceland trialed the program from 2015 -2019.
In Iceland, 86% of employees now have a right to request for a Four-day work week from their respect employers.
….
Also Read: Why young workers are stressed ?
….
In UK, around 71 companies have since signed up to test the four-day work week trial concept.
Some of the benefits include:
- Due to the rise of remote working because of COVID-19, induced lockdowns workers now prefer to work shorter work weeks.
- Companies now use the four-day work week to attract the best skilled workers to join their organisations.
- Employees avoid being burn out or fatigued by going to work less days and increase their leisure time.
- Shortened work hours help the mental health of the employees.
- Employers use the four-day work week to motivate employees.
- Employees will have less vacation and off days at work.
- Nursing mothers can be able to attend to their children and at the same time fulfill their work duties.
- Parenting employees are able to do school runs for their children.
- Uniliver New Zealand increased its productivity by 40%.
- KPI profitability of Microsoft Japan increased by 30% when they introduced the four-day work week.
- Environmentalist also agree that its good for the environment as workers will travel less during the week.
- Most employers will cut back on salary costs, as they will be unnecessary pay rises, as employees will receive the same salary as those that work for five days.
Written By: Arnold Mutamiri
