8 Reasons the United States Shuns the Four-Day Workweek
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The four-day workweek is having a moment. The organization 4 Day Week Global, in collaboration with the research group Autonomy, and researchers at Boston College and the University of Cambridge completed the largest experiment on the shorter workweek in the United Kingdom. About 3,000 workers tested the four-day workweek and the results were resounding. People love working four days per week for the same pay. In fact, 15% of participants said no amount of money would convince them to work five days a week again, according to the Washington Post.
However, U.S. companies remain reluctant to try the four-day workweek, even as HR leaders try to attract and retain top talent. So, HR Exchange Network recently asked HR and business leaders on Featured, formerly Terkel.io, why Americans are so opposed to four-day workweeks, when they seem preferred by many.
People Fear Change
"Most employers were also reluctant toward remote work, but it seems to be our new reality now. They were also reluctant toward digital transformation and preferred keeping everything hard copy, but thankfully, we are over that as well.
I don’t think that it’s about the four-day work week; I think it’s about change, and the fact that some people will always have a harder time adapting than others. Who can tell for sure that a four-day week will work or fail? We can only try it with an open mind and a very well-organized, KPI-oriented performance evaluation system, and see.
Personally, I praise all organizations that are willing to experiment in order to test alternative approaches that reinforce employee well-being and mental health in the workspace, even if their experiments fail and they have to go back to their old ways, rather than those who say, 'Let others try first and if it works for them, then I will follow too.' Leaders with self-awareness and accountability: the keys to retention and growth."-Zoe Fragou, Organizational Psychologist, Zoe Fragou
Too Much of a Disrupter
"The four-day workweek is a concept that is gaining considerable traction, capturing the interest of employees and employers alike because of its potential advantages. If executed properly, it increases productivity, reduces stress levels, and improves work-life balance. However, its implementation presents challenges which can deter companies, but such is the case for any idea that disrupts the norm.
Several factors may explain the limited uptake of the four-day workweek. First, there could be an awareness gap where employers are unfamiliar with its benefits. Second, concerns about reduced productivity might deter some from embracing the concept, although studies suggest it doesn't necessarily impact output.
Last, worries about implementation costs could overshadow the potential long-term advantages. The main hurdle, however, is perception. When we have predominantly operated on a five-day workweek for generations, breaking from such tradition is bound to be difficult."-Phil McParlane, Founder and CEO, 4dayweek.io
The Fifth Day for Non-Customer-Facing Work
"The four-day work week is not a one-size-fits-all solution. A shift to a four-day work week in January 2022 (before it became a buzzword) was made for strategic purposes: there wasn't enough time to work on the business because too much time was being spent on client work.
This change made more productivity possible and allowed for better control of time and tasks. It allows the use of the "free" day however needed, whether it's doing marketing or PR, working on a creative, non-work-related project, or enjoying time with family and friends.
However, as a business of one without employees' needs to consider and without interfacing with customers in person (the business is online), this schedule may not be ideal for every type of business, even if employees advocate for it. Businesses need to carefully consider their coverage needs and ensure customers can still be served appropriately before switching to a shorter work week."-Alli Hill, Founder and Director, Fleurish Freelance
Flexibility, Not Four Days, Is the Goal
"Advancements in technology have resulted in, and are increasingly resulting in, the capacity for more productivity—the ability to create more value while requiring fewer resources, such as time, to create that value.
Advancements in technology are also making it such that value can now be created or consumed in a variety of ways, from a variety of places, in a variety of contexts, utilizing a variety of methods, requiring a variety of time commitments, and affording a variety of flexibilities. The net effect of these advancements, besides the demands of labor, will result in the forceful adaptation of flexibility at scale.
The future of work is not necessarily a four-day, five-day, or six-day week, or about at-home versus the office. It’s most likely one where flexibility dominates, and the equilibrium is a state of being whereby productivity is maximized and enjoyed by all stakeholders."-Hendrith Vanlon Smith Jr, Managing Partner, Mayflower-Plymouth Capital LLC
Requires a Change in Mindset
"Transitioning to a four-day week requires restructuring certain operations, from customer support hours to coordination with global teams. This transition can be daunting, especially for larger organizations with established routines.
There's also a deep-rooted belief in many corporate cultures that longer hours equate to greater productivity. Even though studies suggest that a compressed workweek can maintain or even boost productivity, it's challenging to shake off long-standing beliefs.
However, there's immense value in at least exploring this model. The potential benefits—from improved employee morale and well-being to reduced overhead costs—are compelling. As the work landscape continues to evolve, more companies will experiment with and see the merits of such flexible schedules."-Volen Vulkov, Co-Founder, Chief HR Officer, Enhancv
Societal Norms Dictate a Five-Day Workweek
"The concept of a 'four-day work week' is indeed gaining traction, primarily because of its potential benefits, like improved work-life balance and increased productivity. However, many U.S. employers hesitate due to concerns about meeting client demands, potential revenue loss, and the challenge of restructuring established workflows.
Additionally, there's a deep-rooted cultural emphasis on the traditional five-day workweek. While the four-day model shows promise, its successful implementation requires a shift in mindset, thorough planning, and a willingness to adapt to new operational dynamics."-Khurram Mir, Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Kualitatem Inc.
Productivity Will Plummet
"The concept of a four-day work week is appealing to workers, offering improved work-life balance and potentially increased productivity. However, its adoption in the U.S. is limited due to various factors.
Some companies worry about potential disruptions to client and customer service, while others fear a decrease in output. Additionally, transitioning to a compressed schedule might require restructuring work processes and management practices, posing challenges for certain industries.
Despite its potential benefits, the four-day work week's slow adoption reflects concerns about operational adjustments and impacts on business continuity."-Brian Clark, Founder and CEO, United Medical Education
Lacking All-Around Coverage
"I think that a four-day work week could be great for employees, but it might not work for the employer unless employers create overlap with employees' schedules such that every weekday is being worked.
The world currently runs on a Monday-through-Friday work system, so it is vital that workers are still coming in on all of those days. Whether it has to be the same people every five days, however, is up for debate.
People with limited availability could greatly benefit from packing more hours into four days and having more days off for other jobs, hobbies, etc. Many companies haven't tried this, however, because there are overtime laws that require employees on hourly wages to earn more once they work past the eight-hour mark.
If those employees were to only work four days a week, they would have to work longer days and thus employers would have to pay them more than if they were on the five-day schedule."-Julia Kowalski, Marketing Specialist, Achievable
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