From Burnout to Bliss: How the 4-Day Work Week Impacts Wellbeing
Date published:
Dr Mansoor Soomro, Senior Lecturer in Sustainability and International Business at Teesside University, explores the journey to work-life bliss unveiling the transformative power of the four-day work week on productivity, wellbeing, and job satisfaction.
The traditional five-day work week has become ingrained in our culture. However, the concept of a four-day work week is gaining momentum as a potential game-changer in the UK and around the world, especially in the pursuit of wellbeing for employees and employers alike.
Drawing from the biggest trial of the four-day work week in the UK between June to December 2022, the majority of the companies who took part in the pilot decided to stick with the four-day week. As part of this exercise, over 2,900 employees enjoyed an extra day off every week. This concept works on a ‘100-80-100’ model, where employees work 80% of their regularly scheduled hours but receive 100% of the pay while delivering 100% of the normal output.
Maybe, it’s time to seriously consider the benefits of a shorter workweek. Here are a few pointers to help us understand how it can reduce burnout and add bliss to our work, workers, and workplace:
How can a four-day week reduce burnout?
Redefining Productivity
The first apprehension that most companies have is that a four-day week will result in a drop in productivity. However, various studies internationally including the UK pilot reveal that productivity was rather increased, if not maintained. As per the UK pilot, only 2% of the companies surveyed witnessed a drop in productivity. When employees are given an extra day to rest and recharge, they return to work more focused and motivated. This boost in productivity more than compensates for the lost day, ultimately benefiting both employees and employers.
Boost in Mental and Physical Health
The standard five-day work week can take a toll on mental and physical health, leading to stress, burnout, or depression. A four-day work week, instead, can allow employees the time and space to decompress, spend quality time with family, or engage in wellbeing activities. As per the pilot, 71% of employees reported lower levels of burnout and stress at work.
Enhanced Work-Life Balance
It is often cited that work-life balance is an impractical term as it refers to something that can rarely be achieved. Interviews with the participants reflect that the shorter work week had a positive impact on their work/life balance. 60% of the employees were better able to manage their personal and professional responsibilities. In terms of the extra day off, some have spent that time in caring responsibilities, whereas others were able to engage in another hobby or passion.
How can a four-day week cause bliss?
Increased Job Satisfaction
Employees who enjoy the benefits of a four-day work week often report higher job satisfaction. Everybody enjoys flexibility. When employees are provided with flexible working arrangements, they are more likely to be content and happy at the workplace. As per the study by the University of Cambridge, companies experimenting with a four-day week found a 65% reduction in sick days and a 57% drop in the number of staff quitting the organization.
Empowerment and Autonomy
As anticipated, a four-day work week schedule empowers employees to have more control over the dynamics of work. To some extent, this depends on the business model and nature of business, to establish how fast they can transition from a five-day to a four-day week. The companies that are succeeding at a shorter week are mostly from industries such as consultancy, services, law, IT, recruitment, and marketing. In any case, culture of autonomy is always appreciated, as it results in higher self-esteem and happiness.
Increased Creativity and Fulfilment
Working on a four-day streak, employees have witnessed more focused time which helps them generate new ideas for business and their existing work. With more time to rest and engage in leisure activities, employees have repeatedly reported increased creativity and a sense of purpose, which can be certainly translated to bliss.
At Teesside University International Business School’s Future of Work research unit, we are continuously researching the latest trends that are impacting our workforce and workplace. As per our research, a good number of employers are convinced that the four-day work week is the way they want to work. Moreover, the latest 2023 US/Canada pilot results released in July 2023, also advocate for the implementation of a four-day work week as the future of work.