How It Works; The 4-day work week has gained attention in recent years as a way to improve work-life balance, increase productivity and job satisfaction, and reduce stress and burnout. While not all countries have officially implemented a 4-day work week, there have been several successful trials of this model in different parts of the world.
One of the most well-known examples of a successful 4-day work week trial is the one conducted in Iceland between 2015 and 2019. The trial involved over 2,500 workers across a range of industries and found that productivity and service provision remained the same or improved in the vast majority of workplaces, while employee well-being, work-life balance, and job satisfaction all improved significantly.
In response to these positive results, the Icelandic government has now committed to making a 4-day work week a legal option for most workers in the country.
New Zealand has also been exploring the idea of a 4-day work week. In 2018, Perpetual Guardian, a New Zealand-based financial services company, conducted a trial of a 4-day work week for its 240 employees. The trial was a resounding success, with employees reporting higher job satisfaction, less stress and burnout, and improved work-life balance.
As a result, Perpetual Guardian implemented the 4-day work week as a permanent option for its employees.
Other countries that have experimented with a 4-day work week include the Netherlands, where a nursing home in the town of Goirle implemented a trial in 2018, resulting in improved employee well-being and job satisfaction.
Spain's left-wing government has also expressed support for a 4-day work week, with the proposal being included in a draft package of labor reforms in 2021.
While the idea of a 4-day work week is gaining momentum, there are still many challenges to implementing it in different countries and industries. For example, there may be concerns around the impact of a shorter work week on productivity and service provision, and some businesses may be hesitant to make such a significant change to their operations. However, the success of trials in countries like Iceland and New Zealand suggests that a 4-day work week can be an effective and sustainable option for many workers, and can lead to improved employee well-being, work-life balance, and job satisfaction, while maintaining or even improving productivity and service provision. While challenges remain, the growing interest in the 4-day work week suggests that it may become a more common option for workers in the future and offering a 4-day work week as an option for employees could have benefits for talent acquisition and retention.
While there may be some challenges to implementing a 4-day work week, such as adjusting schedules and staffing, businesses that choose to implement this change could see benefits in terms of employee well-being and productivity, as well as improved competitiveness in the job market.
Work Life Balance, Health and Family
According to a recent study by the International Labour Organization, a 4-day work week has the potential to improve work-life balance, reduce stress, and increase job satisfaction, which can all contribute to better mental health and well-being for employees.
Additionally, studies have shown that shorter work weeks can lead to increased creativity, higher levels of job performance, and better work quality.
A shorter work week can also have positive effects on family cohesion, as employees will have more time to spend with their families and engage in activities outside of work. This could result in happier and more fulfilled individuals, which in turn could lead to better employee retention and productivity.
Work-life balance is an essential aspect of overall well-being, including mental and physical health. The demands of work can often result in stress, which can have negative impacts on both the brain and the body. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can help reduce stress and improve both mental and physical health.
Stress is a normal part of life, and the body has a natural response to it that involves the release of cortisol, a stress hormone. However, when stress is prolonged or chronic, it can have negative impacts on the brain, leading to changes in brain structure and function. Chronic stress can also result in the overproduction of cortisol, which can have damaging effects on the body, including reduced immune function and increased risk of chronic diseases.
In contrast, maintaining a healthy work-life balance can help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. The 4 day work week creates these much needed boundaries between work and life, allowing real time to decompress.
In addition to the impact of work on stress levels, sleep is another critical factor that can affect both mental and physical health. Irregular sleep schedules and insufficient sleep can have negative impacts on brain function, including impairments in cognitive performance, attention, and memory. Moreover, a lack of sleep can result in mood disturbances, including irritability, anxiety, and depression.
The "Double Shift" - Parenting
Currently, most North American families require both parents working full time to ensure economic stability. When the work day is over, another job awaits; the home and children need to be taken care of and there is little time for ones self to decompress, leading to a sense of being overworked and exhausted. When both parents are overworked and exhausted, this can also have implications for children's well-being. Children who grow up in households where both parents are stressed and overworked may be exposed to a range of negative outcomes, including emotional and behavioral problems, difficulties in school, and higher rates of illness.
Single parents in North America face a unique set of challenges when it comes to making ends meet. Often, they must work long hours and multiple jobs to provide for their families, which can take a toll on both their physical and mental health.
The mental health impact of trying to make ends meet as a single parent can be significant. The stress of juggling work and family responsibilities can lead to feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, the financial strain of being a single parent can be a significant source of stress, with concerns about paying bills and providing for children leading to ongoing worry and anxiety.
The 4-day work week can help alleviate some of these challenges for single parents. By working fewer hours, single parents can have more time to focus on their physical and mental health. For example, they can use their extra day off to exercise, cook healthy meals, and engage in self-care activities such as meditation or spending time in nature.
While the 4-day work week may not be a possibility for all single parents, it can be a potential solution for those who have the option. For example, some employers may be willing to offer flexible work arrangements to accommodate the needs of their employees. Moreover, the growing interest in the 4-day work week and other flexible work arrangements suggests that there is a growing awareness of the importance of work-life balance.
Perhaps it's time to look at our current ideas around work, our time, how we are compensated for our time, and whether or not our society as a whole could benefit from a 4 day work week. If this was the norm, would our health as individuals and in turn, a nation be better for it? Would our kids have better mental and physical health?
If the answer is "yes" then we can only conclude that this concept of a 4 day work week is one which should be adopted as the norm, as it will benefit all involved.