It’s hard to have a successful business without satisfied employees. You may be making money in the short term, but if they become dissatisfied or burnt out, it could lead to future problems, especially in times like the ones we currently live in. But NBC News recently reported on a new practice that is gaining its share of supporters: the 4-day work week.
When the COVID-19 virus spread, the network says, some companies temporarily switched to 4-day work weeks, while giving their employees pay cuts. But the practice also allows firms to make these reductions while avoiding layoffs and keeping their workers at full pay — and potentially making them happier and more productive with an extra day on their weekends.
According to Andrew Barnes, the author of “The 4 Day Week” and co-founder of 4 Day Week Global, the pandemic allows businesses to consider restructuring their operations. “It is time for experimentation and a re-evaluation of what it means to be productive,” he told NBC. “By focusing on productivity and output rather than time spent in a workplace, the 4-day week allows for better work-life balance, improved employee satisfaction, retention and mental health.”
Robert Yuen, the co-founder and CEO of software firm Monograph, transitioned his business to the 4-day week in 2016 and believes it can be transferred to other industries. “Generally speaking, if you’re in a white-profession, there’s a lot of opportunity to rethink what that workweek looks like,” he told the network.
