The four-day work week: What I’ve learned after 6 months
In September 2022 I implemented a 4-day work week at PR Dispatch. We had previously worked a half-day Friday since 2018, but the workplace has evolved even more since then.
The pandemic showed the traditional 9-5 may no longer be fit for purpose. With PR Dispatch now operating a remote and flexible working policy, I wanted to join many other businesses in an internal trial of the new working structure, less hours, no loss in pay.
It’s no secret that happy employees result in more productive days, so for us at PR Dispatch, it means happier members. The team now takes every Friday to pursue hobbies, personal interests, catch up with friends and family or simply enjoy some screen-free time.
Just over 6 months in, these are a few of the benefits we’ve found so far.
IMPROVED WORK-LIFE BALANCE
The most obvious benefit is the improvement in work-life balance. I strongly believe if you have a great home life that is mirrored into your work life. The results of the largest 4-day working week trial showed participants were 71% less likely to experience burnout.
With three days off per week, I have more time to reset, spend time with my girls and enjoy hobbies I previously neglected. This helps me feel more relaxed and refreshed when I return to work on a Monday. I find that I’m more productive and focused during my working hours as I have a better work-life balance.
INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY
When Microsoft trailed a 4-day work week back in 2019 they claimed productivity went up by just under 40%. Despite technically working less hours per week, I’ve found my productivity has actually increased. In the four days I spend working, I’m more motivated to stay focused and efficient. When I have more time to do things, my brain tricks me into being less disciplined meaning my mind often wanders, I scroll on Instagram or I put off the task. However, since implementing the 4-day work week, I have found I get the same amount of work done, if not more.
When I look at my to do list on a Thursday evening I’ve realised I am ticking more off, due to being more focused. I’ve also noticed the team is more productive as well which has increased company wide output.
BOOSTED MORALE AND MOTIVATION
After introducing this new way of working, we all feel happier and more relaxed, which has led to a more positive and collaborative work environment. Previously, our working day finished at 6pm but the team and myself would always work a few more hours to finish tasks. The compressed work week seems to have improved all of our work boundaries meaning we tend to finish earlier too. The whole team has said the time off allows them to recharge, leading to more motivation and creativity when they are working.
WELLNESS
The largest 4-day working week trial found that employees experienced less stress, slept better and juggled work and home responsibilities with greater ease. During the study the number of sick days taken fell by around two-thirds. Since introducing this model, I’ve noticed my wellness has improved.
I now spend more time for myself and can prioritise self-care and relaxation. Just by closing my laptop and having a day doing a bit of life admin or simply getting a bit more fresh air, means I enter my work headspace feeling completely refreshed.
BETTER INITIATIVE
Finally, the 4-day work week has resulted in better initiative. The team is more motivated to come up with innovative ideas and I find my best ideas come to me when I’m more rested. The new working structure has also adapted my workflow by forcing me to prioritise tasks more efficiently and really think about what is important to get done, delegate and outsource.
Overall, where possible I think rethinking the 9-5, five-day workweek in creative ways such as a 4-day work week is a great way for businesses to evolve post-pandemic in order to create a happier and more productive workforce which has benefitted both myself and my team.
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