In today’s fast-paced world, it’s essential to take care of ourselves, both physically and mentally. A healthy and happy workforce is the backbone of any successful organization, and workplace wellbeing initiatives are becoming increasingly popular. One such initiative that has gained traction in recent years is the 4-day workweek, and Your People Power, a workplace wellbeing organization, has recently implemented it into their company.
The 4-day workweek is a hot topic
The 4-day workweek has been a hot topic of discussion in the corporate world for several years now. It’s a shift away from the traditional 5-day work week, where employees work for eight hours a day, five days a week. Instead, employees work for four days a week, with each workday being slightly longer. This method is based on the idea that a shorter workweek can lead to increased productivity and a healthier workforce.
The wellbeing benefits of the 4-day workweek are well-documented. Studies have shown that a shorter workweek can lead to better mental health, including reduced stress levels, anxiety, and depression. It can also lead to improved physical health, including lower rates of heart disease, obesity, and other chronic conditions.
In addition to the benefits for employees, the 4-day work week can also be beneficial for the company. By reducing the number of hours worked by employees, companies can save on overhead costs, such as electricity and heating. Additionally, with a happier and healthier workforce, companies may see a decrease in absenteeism and an increase in employee engagement and motivation, leading to higher productivity and profitability. The implementation of the 4-day workweek can also improve the company’s image, demonstrating a commitment to employee wellbeing and work-life balance. This can attract new talent and boost the company’s reputation, leading to long-term success. Overall, the 4-day workweek can be a win-win solution for both employees and employers, creating a positive and productive work environment.
Multinational corporations seeing results
While the 4-day workweek may still be a relatively new concept in some parts of the world, there are several multi-national corporations that have already implemented this working method with great success. In fact, companies such as Microsoft Japan and Perpetual Guardian in New Zealand have reported significant increases in productivity, employee happiness, and wellbeing after implementing a 4-day work week.
Microsoft Japan tested a 4-day workweek in the summer of 2019, and the results were impressive. The company reported a 40% increase in productivity, with employees completing the same amount of work in 4 days as they had previously completed in 5. Additionally, the company saw a 23% reduction in electricity consumption and a 59% reduction in printing costs, demonstrating the financial benefits of the 4-day workweek.
Perpetual Guardian, a New Zealand-based financial services company, conducted a similar trial in 2018, with similar results. The company reported a 20% increase in productivity, a 45% increase in work-life balance, and a 27% reduction in stress levels among employees.
How to make it work for your company
These success stories demonstrate the potential benefits of a 4-day workweek and the positive impact it can have on both employees and companies. The implementation of a 4-day workweek requires careful planning and consideration, but the rewards can be substantial. If your company is considering implementing a 4-day workweek, it’s essential to communicate with your employees and involve them in the decision-making process.
Employees are more likely to embrace the change if they feel that their opinions and concerns are being heard and taken into account. Additionally, it’s crucial to establish clear guidelines and expectations for productivity and workloads.
While a 4-day workweek may lead to increased productivity, it’s important to ensure that employees are not overburdened with work during their four working days. By setting realistic expectations and goals, companies can maximize the benefits of a 4-day workweek while ensuring that employees are not overwhelmed or burnt out.
Your People Power 4-day work week trial
Your People Power’s trial and testing of the 4-day working week was a success, and the company has now fully implemented this working method. The decision to implement a 4-day workweek was not made overnight. It required careful consideration, planning, and communication between management and employees. However, the benefits of the 4-day workweek were too compelling to ignore.
One of the primary benefits realised from the 4-day workweek was increased productivity. Our research has shown that when employees work fewer hours, they tend to be more focused and productive during the hours they do work. This increased productivity can be attributed to several factors, including less time spent on non-work-related activities, such as commuting and errands, and reduced stress levels.
Reduced stress levels are a significant benefit of the 4-day workweek. With an extra day off, employees have more time to take care of themselves physically and mentally. They can schedule doctor’s appointments, engage in hobbies, spend time with family and friends, and simply relax. This downtime allows employees to recharge and return to work with renewed energy and focus.
Your People Power has gone one step further in its implementation of the 4-day workweek by gifting Monday, or, Friday as a wellbeing day. This means that employees are encouraged to use this day for self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or simply taking a break from work-related tasks, allowing them to rest, recharge, and reset their brain functions to maximize productivity for the next week. By prioritizing wellbeing, the company is sending a clear message that employee health and happiness are essential.
Additionally, the 4-day workweek led to a happier workforce. With more time to pursue personal interests and spend time with loved ones, employees are likely to experience a better work-life balance. This, in turn, led to higher job satisfaction and increased loyalty to the company.
Summarising the Benefits of a 4-day workweek
In summary, Your People Power’s implementation of the 4-day workweek is a testament to the benefits of workplace wellbeing initiatives. By prioritizing employee health and happiness, companies can create a positive and productive work environment that benefits both employees and the company as a whole. The success stories of multi-national corporations such as Microsoft Japan and Perpetual Guardian demonstrate the potential benefits of a 4-day workweek, including increased productivity, reduced stress levels, and improved work-life balance. If your company is considering implementing a 4-day workweek, it’s essential to involve your employees in the decision-making process, set clear expectations and guidelines, and prioritize employee wellbeing. With the right approach and mindset, the 4-day workweek can be a win-win solution for everyone involved.
If you would like advise and support on how to successfully implement a 4-day workweek into your organisation, contact the Your People Power Team today for consultancy.
