Everything is moving forward – technology, medicine, why not how we work? It’s been a hot topic in recent months as to whether or not a four day week is more productive for both an employer and employee. The traditional five day working week evolved when people would get up, go to work and come home on repeat. Now we all crave adventure, travel, making time for our families and friends and of course self-care.
Trials have been ongoing throughout Japan, New Zealand and Sweden, and have proved to be successful with productivity increasing to over 40%. Within the UK, businesses are trialing a four day work week with hopes to get the same level of output in fewer hours of work.
As a business, how do you know if a four day week is right for you? Here are a few pros and cons that you may wish to consider:
Reduced costs
One of the main benefits of introducing a four-day week, is that it can cut costs for both the employee and employer. Reductions would be seen in running costs from the business premises, as well commuting and expenses for the employee.
Happier people
With the increased realisation of the importance of self-care and mental health awareness, it is important that employers offer flexible options to their staff. If a four day week were to be introduced, this would mean more time spent with loved ones, on hobbies and all round general wellbeing. Creating a happier and healthier work environment will ultimately lead to higher productivity for businesses.
Trials that were carried out in New Zealand were testament to this, and found that 78% of employees could more effectively balance their work and home life compared to 54% prior to the experiment.
Retention & Recruitment of Staff
Providing the opportunity to offer staff a more flexible work pattern is certainly a perk that entices employees to stay with a company. It can keep employees motivated, knowing they have a three day weekend ahead of them. Looking at it from a recruitment angle, as it is relatively new model, it could be used to attract new talent into the business.
As with any new methods of working, there are also disadvantages. It doesn’t always suit every business to have a four day working week, it is a big step to adapt a new way of working within an already well-established business.
Longer hours and work-related stress
Although a four day week may sound idealistic, it would most likely mean that an employees normal five day week’s worth of hours would be condensed into four days. This would be mean longer hours which could result in work related stress and in turn, counterbalance the benefits.
Holiday Entitlement
Having a four day week model would affect employees holiday entitlement, however it could be balanced due to longer weekends. Some employees might see this as a restriction to reducing their working week.
Overall the consensus is it still remains to be seen as whether a four day week is the solution to the gradually changing 21st century workplace or not. What is certain is small businesses and new businesses will have to keep an open mind. They will need to ensure that the increasing changes in technology are accommodated from a business perspective, whilst also keeping the overall focus on employee health and wellbeing to maintain productivity and morale.
There are positives and negatives on adapting to a four day week. What is the solution to provide the benefits to your staff but maintain your high standard of client visibility and interaction? Why not bring on board a VA to join your team. It will allow you as a business to offer the benefits of a four day week without to your staff without any sacrifices or reduction in client customer care. A virtual assistant can be the missing link that keeps everything ticking over. We are not set up in the traditional office hours approach and are are always available to provide support out of hours, when staff are on sick leave and holidays, it’s entirely up to you how and when you need us to step in and cover. Having a virtual assistant as part of your team can give you the confidence to trial new working patterns as we will be there behind the scenes to ensure nothing changes on the outset.
Lauren McAlpine, Director and Virtual Assistant
LJM VA Services
