Working remotely will continue to top the list of employee needs for work- life balance. Similarly, the idea of a shorter work week is becoming more appealing to many people, as it could also potentially lead to a better work-life balance, reduced stress, and increased productivity. Whether or not it’s preferable depends on individual circumstances and job roles. Some might enjoy the extra personal time, while others might be concerned about fitting all their work into fewer days. What are your thoughts on a shorter work week? The Reduced work Week.
The 32:5 – The Reduce Work Week
The reduced work week concept is to work 32 hours instead of 40 hours in a week. Countries such as Japan, New Zealand and the United Kingdom have been studying this concept since 2019 and have seen favorable results such as increased productivity and happier employees. Of course, being able to adopt a shortened work week is highly dependent on the nature of the business.
The 40:4
Some businesses consider a 40-hour work week divided into four days a reduced and flexible week. However, I have seen firsthand how difficult it can be for employees to come in early, skip lunch, and leave late in order to complete a 40-hour work week in order to take time off for personal obligations—some of which cannot be completed on weekends—so I do not support that kind of work environment. While the employee has complete control over their “flexibility,” this type of workplace “flexibility” may actually contribute to increased stress levels instead of supporting employee wellness.
Reduced Work Week Benefits
A shortened work week has a number of positives:
- Better Work-Life Balance: More time for personal activities, family, and hobbies can enhance overall quality of life.
- Reduced Burnout: Less time at work can decrease stress and the risk of burnout, improving mental health.
- Greater Employee Satisfaction: Employees often feel more satisfied and motivated when they have more control over their schedules.
- Productivity: Some studies suggest that a shorter work week can lead to higher productivity and efficiency during working hours.
- Talent Attraction and Retention: Offering a shorter work week can make a company more attractive to potential employees and help retain current staff.
- Environmental Impact: Reducing the number of commutes helps ease traffic and cut down on carbon footprints.
- Cost Savings: If the office is closed for a few extra days, employers may be able to save money on operating expenses like power and office supplies.
Of course, these benefits can vary depending on the industry and specific job roles.
Did You Know? – Reduced Work Week
There are successful businesses such as CHG Healthcare that offer multi-work environment to fit your personal needs? The company offers its employees the choice of working in the office, working in a hybrid setting (office + remote) or working remotely. I believe that more businesses could adopt this model for the future of how people work. Do you agree?
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