The Four-Day Week Isn’t as Revolutionary as You May Think

At the start of June, 70 companies across the UK began taking part of a trial of the four-day week, and we made a post about it.

Here at Paramount Media, we are already champions of the four-day work week, so we are invested in this trial and will be following its findings closely.

History of the Working Week:

Upon the establishment of the seven-day week, thought of by the Babylonians, working everyday was perceived as a productive approach.

This eventually moved to a six-day work week, and then in the 19^th Century, a five-day work week. The USA chose to adopt a five-day work week because of the employment caused by the Great Depression. The adaptation to five days instead of six was a response to change, and therefore a movement to a different system of working, two centuries later, is not as revolutionary and new as one may presume.

This is especially true when you consider the effect the COVID-19 pandemic had on the workplace, with many workers adapting by using technologies such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams to communicate with each other while they work from home. Discussions surrounding flexible working environments and the four-day week are now increasingly commonplace, compared to before COVID-19 when these ideas were largely perceived as unattainable for most businesses.

As technology and society changes and global mindsets adapt, so does the workplace.

But what are the benefits of the four-day week?

1. Work-life balance. Let’s say you got a choice between a three-day weekend and a two-day weekend. A lot of people would choose to have an extra day. This extra day can improve your work-life balance, you can attend those appointments, spend more time with family and friends, or simply kick back and relax. The point is: that extra day is yours.
2. An increase in productivity. Think about it, employees with a better work-life balance, freedom, and fulfilment, are more likely to be focussed on their tasks in the workplace.
3. Savings. This applies to managers and employees alike – a day less of travel can save you money on petrol or bus tickets, in addition to reducing your carbon footprint.
4. It gives businesses a one-up. It has been noted that currently, there are more job listings than people to fill them. If employees had a choice between a flexible workplace, or a traditional one, which one would they choose? This may depend on the individual, but having flexibility, and/or a four-day week, can make you look appealing as an employer.

Whatever you think of the four-day week, it certainly represents a change from traditional ways of working, especially considering the effect COVID-19 has had on the workplace.

We recognise you cannot apply this to all workplaces and all industries, but this template may work for office workers. Employee happiness must be a priority (and should always have been) going forward: if nothing else, COVID-19 has shown the world what we can all do in the face of dire circumstances. Adapting to change and caring for employees is part of work, and this should be widely accepted and understood.

Here at Paramount, in addition to supporting our employees work-life balance, we provide Advertising services to help promote businesses. Click here to make an enquiry.

By Rozz Cottrell.