The initial demands from the UAW included a 4-day workweek. While that was eventually dropped during negotiations, many expect it will continue to come up in the future. A recent survey conducted by Gallup in collaboration with Bentley University revealed that 77% of respondents expressed that a four-day, 40-hour workweek would have a positive impact. However, once achieved, it doesn’t always have the positive effect expected.
These findings, derived from responses from over 3,200 employed U.S. adults, were part of a broader survey that involved nearly 5,500 participants. Essentially, the participants favored the idea of working the standard 40-hour week spread across just over four days instead of the conventional five.
While previous studies on four-day workweek experiments in the U.S. and Europe generally show positive outcomes in terms of employee productivity and well-being, the suitability of this arrangement varies. Similar to hybrid work setups, the success of a four-day workweek depends on factors such as how the days are scheduled, the work environment, and individual work styles.
A Gallup survey from the previous year, encompassing more than 12,000 full-time employees, revealed that 84% worked five days a week, while 8% worked four days. Interestingly, those on the four-day schedule did not report significantly higher well-being levels than their five-day counterparts; instead, they reported higher levels of burnout.
Gallup’s Chief Scientist for Workplace Management and Wellbeing, Jim Harter, suggested that the lack of universal success with the four-day workweek could stem from its compatibility with certain jobs and individuals but not with others. He highlighted that burnout is often a result of trying to condense work into fewer days, especially if individuals prefer a five-day schedule.
Harter also emphasized that the type of job plays a role, with on-site workers potentially benefiting more from a four-day workweek due to added flexibility. On the other hand, remote-ready jobs already have inherent flexibility, potentially diminishing the need for a condensed workweek.
While the four-day workweek has gained popularity and is often seen as a potential solution to improve work-life balance and well-being, it is essential to consider potential negative impacts as well. Here are some factors to consider:
- Burnout Risk: Condensing a traditional five-day workload into four days may lead to longer workdays. This extended daily schedule could result in fatigue and increased stress, potentially contributing to burnout.
- Work Intensity: Employees might feel pressured to complete the same amount of work in a compressed timeframe, leading to increased work intensity. This intensified pace can be mentally and physically taxing.
- Extended Daily Hours: A four-day workweek often means longer daily hours to maintain the same weekly workload. Extended workdays can have adverse effects on employee health, work-life balance, and family time.
- Impact on Productivity: While studies have shown positive effects on productivity for some industries, it’s not universally applicable. Certain tasks or roles may not benefit from a compressed schedule, potentially leading to decreased productivity.
- Job Satisfaction Variability: Job satisfaction with a four-day workweek can vary widely among employees. While some may appreciate the extended weekends, others may find the compressed schedule stressful and less satisfying.
It’s important to note that the impact of a four-day workweek can vary depending on the industry, job roles, and individual preferences. Successful implementation requires careful consideration of these potential challenges and proactive measures to address them.
Source: CNN Business
By Heather Nezich, courtesy of SBAM-approved partner, ASE.
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