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Advantages and disadvantages of a 4-day work week
Many UK businesses are considering the pros and cons of a 4-day work week, with the working format potentially offering increased or reduced productivity. With the topic divisive in the business world, it’s important to understand from an impartial source how it would genuinely affect your organisation.
At WorkNest, we have a team of expert HR consultancy specialists to help support your policies. Contact us today for assistance or read our expert guide below to weigh up your choices.
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The advantages of a 4-day work week
Our team carried our a survey to determine how UK businesses felt about a 4-day working week. The reaction was positive, with results gathered by WorkNest finding 77% of respondents were in favour of the move, agreeing that output is a more important metric than time spent sitting at a desk.
Productivity working patterns are undoubtedly the most commonly-cited benefit among those who advocate for the 4-day week. The theory goes that a well-rested workforce will produce an equal (or even greater) output in four days than it previously did in five. However, other pros include:
- An improved work-life balance for happier and healthier employees
- Cost savings for business owners due to reducing operational costs (e.g. office supplies and electricity)
- A strong recruitment perk for businesses looking to hire and retain top talent
- Reducing work overall by focussing on intensive productivity bursts
- Environmental benefits through reduced carbon footprint (operational costs and the effect of commuting)
The main perk remains the argument of a more intensive burst of work over four days, reducing procrastination and then rewarding employees with a longer, more restful weekend. Some UK businesses are already running the system, complementing i with remote working to offer staff an appealing work-life balance.
However, it’s not mandatory for your business to run it or even consider it. But it may be worth trialing if you want to see some genuine business improvements.
The disadvantages of a 4-day work week
Although the system may be ideal for some businesses, there are reasons why it may not be suitable for yours. Some professions have tasks that take longer to complete. This means you may find additional costs for overtime and extra staff.
In addition, some businesses will be naturally unsuited due to the requirement for a 24/7 presence. In theory, a shorter working week would cause significant delays and longer lead times.
Even if your business could cut down on working hours and continue to function, this would require a workforce large enough to rotate staff and continue operating at full capacity for the full five days. Inevitably, this won’t be possible for organisations such as start-ups operating on a skeleton workforce.
It’s also worth considering committing to a shorter working week is always, to some extent, going to be a shot in the dark. With this in mind, business leaders need to accept the possible risks.
Should your business adopt a 4-day work week?
Ultimately, it depends on your specific business needs and if the idea is workable for your situation. Cost and profit margins are a big part of this. While the aim is to see an uptick in productivity, employees will be receiving the same pay for fewer hours worked.
Of course, those in favour of such a move will already be equipped with the diplomacy and patience to see positive results yielded. However, those who are sceptical will naturally feel as though they’re gambling on something at the expense of their company’s financial health.
Despite all the talk around a shorter working week leading to increased wellbeing and satisfaction, some would argue the compression of a full working week into fewer hours may in fact become a source of increased stress and anxiety as employees fight to ensure tasks are completed.
The advantages and disadvantages of a 4 day work week will affect every business in different ways. But if you’re seeking genuine change to revitalise your business, then it may be the step you need for newfound success.
Need help with switching to a 4-day working week?
Thinking about introducing this progressive HR policy? With your own small team of HR and Employment Law specialists to support you, we can help you decide if this move would help increase your productivity and employee happiness. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation.
