For several years, there have been some talks about optimizing the employee’s time. Home office is one of the effects of this assumption, although it came to be most effective during the coronavirus pandemic. Another solution that is being discussed is the four-day workweek. Is it worth shortening the workweek? You can find the latest information in the article.
A four-day workweek – what is it?
Employment market researchers found that the 8-hour working mode for 5 days a week, is not conducive to increasing motivation and does not translate into employee’s efficiency. After conducting research in various enterprises, one dominant trend was noticed – the main part of tasks / orders is performed in the first half of the week (i.e. until Wednesday). This applies to both lower and higher level employees.
In order to optimize the employee’s work as much as possible, a proposal was made to shorten the workweek by one day.
The situation in EU countries looks as follows:
- The Netherlands – 32 hours
- Austria – 33 hours
- Germany – 34 hours
- Denmark – 34 hours
- Ireland – 36 hours
- France – 37 hours
- Italy – 37 hours
- Spain – 37 hours
- Poland – 40 hours
It is also worth emphasizing that too long working hours translate into the physical and mental health of the employee. Depression, fatigue, professional burnout, as well as problems with the spine, circulatory system – these are the most common diseases and problems among office workers (but not the only ones!).
Professional burnout – how to prevent it? Tips for employers
A four-day workweek – where was it effective?
First of all, from the above-mentioned countries, where the workweek in some of them does not exceed 30-37 hours, the efficiency of employees is several times higher even without the introduction of a four-day workweek.
Why?
Firstly, they spend about 6-7 hours a day at work. Which on the one hand translates into maximum optimization of tasks, and on the other – allows to organize and enrich the life outside working hours. The result is a motivated employee who strives to achieve the best results at work, which in turn translates into the quality of life outside of working hours (example: work-life balance).
Similar effects can be expected by introducing a 4-day workweek. Many enterprises have decided to check the effectiveness of similar activities, without waiting for the introduction of pan-European laws. The new work system is being tested – among others – in Iceland, the UK, Sweden, Germany and Spain. So far, business owners notice only positive effects of the introduced changes.
Regulations for the Home office – what should be included in them?
A four-day workweek – is it worth it?
As already mentioned at the beginning, working too long hours contributes to the occurrence of various types of health disorders. What’s more, the line between private life and work is blurring, and with time there is a situation where work becomes a private life.
Crisis in the employment market
In the long run, this may cause a crisis in the employment market. It will appear gradually, in stages:
- Employees will increasingly take sick leave.
- The duties of the employee on sick leave will be delegated to other employees (or will not be performed).
- Other employees will be burdened with additional work, which in turn will also lead to stressful situations (and then to sick leave).
- An employee cannot be dismissed while on sick leave. This means the tasks will not be 100% completed, and there is no possibility of hiring a new person.
- Then a crisis situation comes – the employer hires employees to whom he pays salary, and in fact the employed persons do not carry out the tasks assigned to them. That being so, the company’s expenses do not translate into its possible development in any way.
Why is it worth introducing a four-day workweek?
- this can be considered as a non-wage benefit (especially when the company is unable to offer a raise). Read more about benefits for employees.
- this will lead to the increase of commitment and motivation among employees.
- coordination, prioritization and planning of tasks will be improved.
- there will be more opportunities for personal development.
- stress levels will decrease due to the increase in amount of free time.
Before introducing 4-days workweek
Let’s not forget though, that the transition to a completely new work schedule takes time and practice. At the beginning, such a solution can cause stress. In this case, the role of the manager who will support employees at this stage will be crucial. These can be in the form of additional training in time management, meetings or workshops related to this topic.
Many companies have decided, however, to start not by shortening the workweek, but by dedicating one day a week to non-work activities, i.e. training, meetings and integration trips.
Remember! Before the final decision on shortening the workweek is made, we recommend conducting an in-depth analysis within the company and consultations with employees. Similar solutions are intended to increase motivation among employees, and not to expose them to additional stress.
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