Imagine a world where Mondays could be optional or Fridays always meant the start of a long weekend. For many professionals, the idea of a 4-day work week is more than just a pipe dream—it's a life-changing possibility. We asked members of the Rise Community what a 4-day work week would mean for them, and their answers were nothing short of inspiring. From better work-life balance to more time for hobbies, mental health, and family, it’s clear that professionals are ready to embrace this shift.
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What is a 4-Day Work Week?
A 4-day work week is an alternative working arrangement where employees work four days instead of the traditional five, often while maintaining the same weekly hours. This model typically comes in two forms: either working fewer hours over four days (such as 32 hours) or condensing the usual 40-hour workweek into four days, meaning slightly longer workdays but a full extra day off.
The idea of a 4-day work week has been gaining traction across the globe as a way to improve work-life balance, reduce burnout, and increase productivity. Countries like Iceland, Japan, and New Zealand have been at the forefront of testing this approach, and many businesses in these countries have reported overwhelmingly positive outcomes.
For example, in Iceland, trials of a reduced working week between 2015 and 2019 found that productivity remained the same or improved in the majority of workplaces. Employees reported feeling less stressed and having more time for family, hobbies, and rest. As a result, over 86% of Iceland's workforce now has the right to reduce their hours without affecting pay. Similarly, a Microsoft trial in Japan found that a 4-day work week led to a 40% increase in productivity, showing that working fewer days doesn’t necessarily mean getting less done.
However, not all 4-day work weeks are the same. Some models offer four 8-hour days, while others pack the standard 40-hour workweek into four 10-hour days. In the Rise Community, many professionals see the value in either model, but the appeal of an extra day off is the key takeaway for most.
Let’s dive into some real-world perspectives from the Rise Community about what this shorter work week could do for their work, personal life, and overall well-being.
More Time for Life’s Essentials
User PH hit the nail on the head when he mentioned, “I would have an extra day to volunteer.” In a fast-paced world, it’s hard to carve out time for giving back. But with an extra day off, more professionals could engage in meaningful volunteer work, impacting their communities in ways that a traditional 5-day schedule might not allow.
User EG chimed in with a practical benefit: "I would have time to focus on my personal life, and not have to take off work for doctor appointments and other needs." The reality is, many people struggle to fit in essential life errands around a full-time work schedule. By shifting to a 4-day week, employees could tackle these tasks without sacrificing their productivity at work.
User HC pointed out an important reality: "The ability to recharge. We all know how exhausted we are by Friday. Are we really productive at that point?" This resonates with many who feel burnout creeping in after a long week. An extra day to decompress would be invaluable in maintaining both energy levels and mental clarity.
Boosting Productivity and Focus
Several professionals believe that working fewer days could lead to an increase in productivity during those four days. User CC shared his experience: "It requires you to be more focused for the prior four days because the work it would take any other person five would need to be done in four. It increases productivity and focus, especially if you are a Work From Home employee!" In fact, research supports this view—companies that have implemented 4-day work weeks often report increased productivity as employees become more efficient with their time .
Similarly, User MN stated, “I think the four days I would be working would be high energy, productive and fast-paced, but oh, those 3 days off would be the perfect wind down!” A study from Perpetual Guardian, a New Zealand firm that trialed the 4-day work week, found a 20% increase in productivity alongside improved employee engagement.
Several studies have found that reducing the number of workdays can lead to greater productivity. In 2019, Microsoft Japan ran a month-long experiment where employees worked four days a week. The results showed a 40% increase in productivity compared to previous months, proving that a compressed workweek can help employees focus more during working hours while reducing distractionsionally, research by Stanford University highlights that productivity per hour declines sharply when people work more than 50 hours a week. Employees who work fewer hours but with increased focus tend to produce higher-quality work .
Better Work-Life Balance
The phrase "work-life balance" is often tossed around, but what does it really mean in practice? According to User LT, a 4-day work week would mean “SO much more time with my family!” For many, the current 2-day weekend simply isn't enough to spend quality time with loved ones, especially when one of those days is filled with chores or errands.
User JC echoed this sentiment, saying, “I worked a 4-day work week in 2020 and it was one of the best work experiences I ever had.” Having more time to reset emotionally and mentally means returning to work rejuvenated, which is crucial for long-term job satisfaction. User BK added, "It would allow me to dedicate time to myself that I usually do not!" That extra day would give people the space to breathe, unwind, and refocus.
Research by the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) has shown that countries with shorter working hours, such as Germany and the Netherlands, generally have a better work-life balance and higher levels of happiness . In addition, a New Zealand company, Perpetual Guardian, conducted a trial of the 4-day work week and found that employees reported better work-life balance and a 7% reduction in stress.
Mental Health Benefits
The impact of a shorter work week on mental health cannot be overstated. User CA shared, "A 4-day work week would help my mental health tremendously, and in turn, the decreased stress would benefit my physical health as well." Studies have shown that reducing the number of working days can lead to lower stress levels, better sleep, and overall improved mental health .
User JF added, “I’d have more time to care for my mental and physical health,” and User AC noted, “It would honestly help out with my mental health a lot, I believe.” These comments reflect a growing awareness of the need to prevent burnout, something a longer weekend can help address by providing ample time for self-care.
Burnout has become a significant issue in modern workplaces. According to a study by Gallup, 76% of employees experience burnout on the job at least some of the time . By reducing the workweek, companies can address this issue. A study from Henley Business School found that companies offering a 4-day workweek reported a 64% improvement in employee mental health, reducing stress and exhaustion.
Space for Personal Growth and Hobbies
Many professionals mentioned that an extra day off would allow them to pursue passions and personal development. User BS shared, “It would allow me to explore creativity outside of the screen. I'd love to do more painting and ceramics!" This sentiment is echoed by others, like User CW, who said, “A 4-day workweek will help prevent burnout, help give more balance for passion projects, family, and restore for the next upcoming workweek.”
The time freed up from a shorter work week could also allow for skill-building. User NP noted, "It would allow me to work a full week and continue to go to school part-time." Whether it's learning new skills, going back to school, or picking up a creative hobby, the extra day would give professionals the space they need to grow.
Research from the OECD also shows that having more leisure time encourages individuals to engage in hobbies, exercise, and education, which all contribute to greater well-being . In a similar vein, the UK’s 4-Day Week Campaign cites that when workers have an extra day off, they often use it to pursue personal interests or gain additional qualifications, which in turn can increase their overall satisfaction and self-worth.
The Future is Flexible
It’s clear that a 4-day work week isn’t just a fantasy—it’s a future that many professionals believe will enhance their lives both inside and outside of the office. Whether it’s focusing on mental health, spending time with family, or improving productivity, the consensus is that reducing the work week would result in happier, more fulfilled employees.
If the success stories from companies that have already adopted this model are any indication, it seems the traditional 5-day work week might soon become a relic of the past. As User JH said, "A 4-day work week gives me more gaming time, walks with my pups, sleep because we all could use more." And who wouldn’t want that?
One of the most practical advantages of a 4-day workweek is the flexibility it offers for personal tasks. According to the UK's Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), employees who have flexible working schedules are 70% more satisfied with their ability to manage life outside work, including tasks like healthcare appointments, child care, and financial planning .
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The 4-day work week is more than just a perk—it's a game-changer that has the potential to revolutionize how we work and live. With benefits ranging from enhanced productivity to improved mental health and more time for personal growth, it's no wonder so many professionals are eager to see this change implemented. If the goal of modern work is to create a better balance, then the 4-day work week might just be the key to making that a reality.
