With over 200 UK companies adopting a four-day workweek, the future of work is changing…

The 4 Day Week Foundation reported that the industries leading the shift towards a four-day workweek include marketing, advertising and PR, with 30 companies making the transition, followed closely by 29 employers in charity, NGOs and social care and 24 in technology, IT and software. Additionally, London businesses are at the forefront of this movement, with 59 employers implementing the change.

The main conundrum is whether working fewer days leads to greater productivity and improved employee retention. Or could it have the complete opposite impact?

4-Day Workweek Boosting Productivity: Working Smarter, Not Longer

One of the biggest concerns most employers have about introducing a four-day workweek is whether employee productivity will suffer as a consequence. However, from research and real-world trials over the last couple of years, the consensus has shown that reducing working hours can lead to an increase in employee efficiency.

1. Greater Employee Focus and Efficiency

Employees who have a shorter workweek are often more motivated to complete their tasks more efficiently. Having fewer working days means reduced procrastination, fewer unnecessary meetings and a greater focus on high-priority tasks. Employees know they have less time in the week to complete their workload; therefore, this leads to smarter time management and higher levels of concentration.

Related Article: ‘Elevate Performance: Top 5 Ways to Motivate Your Workforce’

2. Reduced Employee Burnout and Increased Energy

Overworked employees are more likely to experience burnout, which negatively impacts performance and morale. A four-day workweek allows employees longer outside of work to recharge properly, meaning they return to work refreshed and more engaged. Well-rested employees tend to be more creative, proactive and productive with their tasks. 

3. Improved Work-Life Balance Leads to Higher Employee Output

Having an extra day off each week provides employees with longer to rest, pursue their personal projects and spend quality time with family. This improved work-life balance leads to overall happier employees, which translates into better engagement and productivity levels during their four working days per week.

Enhancing Employee Retention: Keeping Your Best Talent

A business is only as strong as its employees; therefore, retaining top talent is a key priority for every company. Since the four-day workweek has emerged, it has become a powerful tool to attract and retain top-performing employees.

1. Competitive Advantage in Hiring

In today’s world, job seekers are looking beyond salary; they are also keen to take into account how an employer can offer them a work-life balance, flexibility and a positive company culture. Offering employees a four-day workweek makes companies far more attractive to prospective employees, giving them a competitive edge when it comes to recruitment.

2. Increased Job Satisfaction Reduces Turnover

Employees who feel overworked and undervalued in their current roles are more likely to leave their jobs. Offering employees a four-day workweek signals that a company values employee well-being, leading to higher job satisfaction and ultimately, lower turnover rates.

Related Article: ‘5 Reasons Employees Leave Their Jobs & How You Can Prevent This From Happening’

3. Positive Company Culture and Employee Loyalty

When employees feel that their employer genuinely cares about their well-being, they are more likely to stay loyal to the company. A four-day workweek fosters a positive company culture, increasing employee commitment and reducing the costs associated with hiring and training new staff.

What Are the Challenges and Considerations of the 4-day Workweek for Employers?

While the benefits of introducing a four-day week are clear, transitioning to a four-day workweek requires careful planning from an employer’s perspective. Businesses must ensure that workloads are managed efficiently and customer service levels remain high. Some companies adopt a staggered approach, where different teams have different off-days to maintain business operations. Others trial a four-day week temporarily to assess its impact before making a permanent decision.

Furthermore, a report on South Cambridgeshire District Council’s four-day week trial revealed that one in six employees took on second jobs, highlighting potential concerns that reduced working hours could drive some staff to seek additional income elsewhere.

Is a Four-Day Workweek Right for Your Business?

The success of a four-day workweek depends on the nature of the business, industry demands and company culture. However, early adopters have seen promising results, with increased productivity, happier employees and improved retention rates.

As flexible working becomes more common, companies that embrace change may find themselves better positioned for the future of work. If retaining top talent and boosting productivity are priorities for your business, it may be time to consider whether a four-day workweek is the right move.

Reach out to Coppice HR by emailing paul@coppicehr.com or calling 07814 008478 to discuss implementing a four-day workweek to improve your workplace productivity and employee retention.