US Senator Bernie Sanders has declared plans to bring new legislation to impose a four-day work week in the United States by 2028, while the UK’s new Labour administration is also contemplating plans to preserve workers’ right to request a four-day week.
“Everywhere you look, people are talking about the four-day week,” said Matthew Woodward from Search Logistics, a SEO agency specialising in tailored strategies.
Woodward outlined the advantages of a four-day work week and explains why everyone is so interested in this new work pattern:
Improved employee wellbeing and mental health
A four-day work week gives employees more time to rest and recover, which improves both their mental and physical health.
Workers can use their newly earned free time to exercise, pursue hobbies, or spend quality time with family and friends.
The longest four-day work week research to date saw a 71% reduction in burnout, demonstrating how revolutionary this adjustment could be for employee health.
Boosted productivity
Despite fears of lower productivity, a four-day work week can actually enhance output.
Research, such as a trial done by Microsoft in their Japanese arm, discovered that staff who worked fewer days were more productive, improving output by 40%.
This improvement is the result of more concentrated workdays and simpler operations. With less time available, employees tend to prioritise things better, avoid superfluous meetings, and make better use of their working hours.
Reduced carbon footprint
A four-day work week provides major environmental benefits. Employees commuting one day fewer every week significantly reduce carbon emissions.
Furthermore, with fewer days spent in the office, firms can reduce their electricity use, water consumption, and even paper waste.
Fairer gender equality
With greater free time, men and women can more equitably share household tasks and childcare, challenging long-held traditional norms that impose the majority of unpaid domestic work on women.
This may also provide additional opportunity for women to take leadership roles, as the pressure of managing work and home life becomes less daunting.
IOL