Is a 4/10 Workweek the Future of Work-Life Balance?

How Will I Get It All Done?

In today's fast-paced world, finding a healthy balance between work and personal life has become increasingly challenging. Many employees are overworked and stressed, struggling to juggle their professional responsibilities with their off the clock commitments.

One promising solution to this problem is the 4/10 workweek, a schedule where employees work four days a week for ten hours each day. Here we'll explore the pros and cons of this alternative work arrangement and discuss why it might be a more beneficial option for achieving work-life balance than the traditional 40-hour workweek.

We'll also take a look at a case study of a company that tested how the 4/10 workweek affected their company and employees.

Pros of a 4/10 Workweek

Improved Work-Life Balance: The most significant advantage of a 4/10 workweek is the potential for a significant improvement in work-life balance. With three days off per week, employees have more time to spend with family and friends, pursue hobbies, or simply relax. This can lead to reduced stress, increased job satisfaction, and a better overall quality of life.

Increased Productivity: Many studies have shown that employees working a 4/10 schedule can be more productive than those working traditional 9-to-5 hours. This is likely due to factors such as reduced fatigue, fewer interruptions, and a more focused work environment.

Reduced Commuting Time: For employees who commute long distances, a 4/10 workweek can significantly reduce their commuting time. This can save them time and money, as well as reduce stress and fatigue.

Better Work-Life Integration: A 4/10 workweek can make it easier for employees to balance their work and personal lives. For example, parents may be able to pick up their children from school without having to worry about missing work.

Improved Employee Morale and Retention: A 4/10 workweek can boost employee morale and reduce turnover rates. This is because employees are more likely to feel valued and appreciated when their employer offers flexible work arrangements that support their personal needs.

Cons of a 4/10 Workweek

Longer Workdays: While a 4/10 workweek offers more days off, it also means working longer hours each day. This may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who prefer a more traditional 9-to-5 schedule.

Scheduling Challenges: Implementing a 4/10 workweek can be challenging for businesses, especially those with complex operations or tight deadlines. It may require careful planning and coordination to ensure that all necessary work is completed.

Potential for Overwork: While a 4/10 workweek can improve work-life balance, there is a risk that employees may still feel overwhelmed or overworked, especially if they can not effectively manage their time and prioritize their tasks.

Social Isolation: For some employees, working longer days and having fewer days off can lead to feelings of social isolation. It is important to ensure that employees have opportunities for social interaction and connection outside of work.

Conclusion

The 4/10 workweek offers a promising alternative to the traditional 40-hour workweek, with the potential to improve work-life balance, increase productivity, and boost employee morale. However, it is critical to carefully consider the pros and cons before implementing such a schedule. By understanding the potential benefits and challenges, businesses can make informed decisions about whether a 4/10 workweek is the right choice for their organization and their employees.

Case Study: Perpetual Guardian — New Zealand's 4-Day Workweek Success

Perpetual Guardian, a New Zealand-based trust and estate administration company, has been a pioneer in implementing a four-day workweek. In 2018, the company transitioned to a 32-hour workweek while maintaining full salaries. The results have been overwhelmingly positive.

Key Outcomes:

Increased Productivity: Despite the reduced hours, Perpetual Guardian reported a 20% increase in productivity within the first year of the four-day workweek. Employees attributed this to reduced burnout, improved focus, and a better work-life balance.

Improved Employee Well-being: Employee satisfaction and well-being soared. Sick leave decreased significantly, and staff reported feeling less stressed and more energized.

Enhanced Recruitment and Retention: The four-day workweek became a major selling point for attracting top talent. Employee turnover rates also declined.

Positive Financial Impact: Despite concerns about reduced productivity, Perpetual Guardian's profits remained stable, and the company even experienced growth in some areas.

How They Did It:

Careful Planning: The company carefully planned the transition, ensuring that workloads were manageable and that essential services were not compromised.

Employee Input: Perpetual Guardian involved employees in the decision-making process and addressed their concerns and suggestions.

Flexible Work Arrangements: The company also implemented flexible work arrangements, such as remote work and compressed workweeks, to further support employee well-being and productivity.

Perpetual Guardian's success has inspired other companies to consider adopting a four-day workweek. While the results may vary depending on industry, company culture, and other factors, this case study demonstrates the potential benefits of this innovative approach to work-life balance and productivity.

How the 4/10 Workweek Helped Me

In 2016, I was hired by a wholesale company that used the 4/10 model as a standard, one of the few companies to do so in the US. While it made hiring temps difficult, permanent employees were scheduled either Monday–Thursday or Tuesday–Friday, depending on sales volume and seasonality. Since we were closed on holidays, it didn't hurt that sometimes my weekends were four days, depending on which day the holidays happened.

When I encountered some health issues, this schedule made it easier to book doctor appointments, as most medical/dental offices are only open during M — F. Knowing that I could take care of my health without using any of my Paid Time Off (PTO) left no room to not take care of my health.

I no longer work with that company, unfortunately. I'm now working from home M — F, eight hours a week again. While working from home is great, it's back to using PTO to take care of any health problems. I miss having a free day during the week to do that.

I hope more companies in the US will consider this as an option for their employees.