What if you had an extra day each week?
According to the latest statistics, 66% of employees are attracted to job opportunities with a shorter work week.
78% of employees believe that a shorter workweek improves their work-life balance.
And employees who had a 4-day workweek reported lower stress levels and higher job satisfaction.
As of 2023, 33% of organizations offer a 4-day, 40-hour work week.
Ready for a work week makeover? Uncover the statistics behind the 4-day revolution.
Top 4-day work week statistics: Editor’s Pick
- 56% of employees would prefer working a 40-hour work week in 4 days instead of 5 days. [2]
- After the switch to a 4-day workweek, employees in a study took 25% fewer sick days. [9]
- Microsoft Japan implemented a 4-day workweek experiment and saw a 40% boost in productivity compared to the previous year. [5]
- 40% of employees worried about their workload becoming unmanageable within a shorter workweek. [10]
- 46% of HR professionals are concerned about coordinating schedules and managing coverage during the transition into a 4-day work week. [10]
- Studies suggest a 4-day workweek could lead to increased employment opportunities and improved work-life balance in the future. [13]
General 4-day Work Week Statistics
As of 2023, 33% of organizations offer a 4-day, 40-hour work week. [1]
Only 15% of companies are offering employees 4-day work weeks of 32 hours or less per week. [1]
56% of employees would prefer working a 40-hour work week in 4 days instead of 5 days. [2]
58% of employees confirmed that they would choose a 4-day workweek over a pay raise. [3]
The 4-day work week has been successfully implemented in Iceland, Germany, and Spain. [4]
Source: Drive research
Advantages of a 4-Day Work Week
Why do employees prefer a 4-day work week, even though they have to work 10 hrs per day?
According to a study by Henley Business School, 77% of workers reported increased productivity when working a 4-day week. [4]
66% of employees are attracted to job opportunities with a shorter work week. [6]
78% of employees believe that a shorter workweek improves their work-life balance. [7]
Employees who had a 4-day workweek reported lower stress levels and higher job satisfaction. [9]
After the switch to a 4-day workweek, employees in a study took 25% fewer sick days. [9]
Microsoft Japan implemented a 4-day workweek experiment and saw a 40% boost in productivity compared to the previous year. [5]
New Zealand’s Perpetual Guardian company reported that employees’ stress levels decreased by 7% while job satisfaction increased significantly after implementing a 4-day workweek. [8]
Disadvantages of a 4-Day Work Week
It is important to weigh both pros and cons before going into it.
Let’s dive into the disadvantages of a 4-day workweek.
- 62% of businesses stated that implementing a 4-day workweek would require a reduction in employee salaries. [10]
- 39% of employees expressed concerns about a shorter workweek leading to a decrease in income.
- 40% of employees worried about their workload becoming unmanageable within a shorter workweek.
- 44% of HR professionals expressed concerns about the feasibility of a 4-day workweek in their respective industries.
- 46% of HR professionals are concerned about coordinating schedules and managing coverage during the transition into a 4-day work week.
4-Day Work Week Trends and Predictions
It is estimated that 80% of businesses will adopt a more flexible work schedule, including shorter work weeks by 2025. [11]
64% of business leaders expect the 4-day work week to become the norm within the next decade. [12]
Studies suggest a 4-day workweek could lead to increased employment opportunities and improved work-life balance in the future. [13]
If you found this article interesting, you might enjoy these too:
FAQs
What is a 4-day workweek?
A 4-day work week is an alternative work schedule in which employees work for four days, about 32 to 40 hours, instead of the traditional five days a week, without a reduction in pay.
What are productivity statistics for a 4-day work week?
According to a study by Henley Business School, 77% of workers reported increased productivity when working a 4-day week.
Are there health benefits to a 4-day workweek?
76% of employees believed that a shorter workweek would improve their mental health and overall well-being.
A study by the SHRM revealed that 63% of HR professionals believed a 4-day workweek would enhance work-life balance for employees.
After the switch to a 4-day workweek, employees in a study took 25% fewer sick days.
Which countries have a 4-day work week?
Iceland, Germany, and Spain have implemented a 4-day workweek to the highest levels.
Final Thoughts
A 4-day work week is an alternative work schedule in which employees work for four days, about 32 to 40 hours, instead of the traditional five days a week, without a reduction in pay.
A 4-day work week is beneficial as according to a study by Henley Business School, 77% of workers reported increased productivity when working a 4-day week. 66% of employees are attracted to job opportunities with a shorter work week.
78% of employees believe that a shorter workweek improves their work-life balance. While 39% of employees expressed concerns about a shorter workweek leading to a decrease in income, 64% of business leaders expect the 4-day workweek to become the norm within the next decade.
Sources
- The hill. 33% of organizations tested 4-day week
- Market research company. Global market for 4-day workweek
- YouGov. Most Americans prefer 4-day work
- Henley Business School. The four-day week
- NPR. 4-day workweek boosted productivity
- Robert Half. Effective employee retention strategies
- Maryville.edu. Shorter Workweek: Pros and Cons for Employee Productivity
- Perpetual Guardian. Work less, get more: New Zealand firm’s four-day week an ‘unmitigated success’
- Harvard Business School. What leaders need to know before trying a 4 day work week
- SHRM. The Phenomenon of the Four-Day Workweek
- CNBC. ‘I would never go back’: Why people love the 4-day workweek, which companies are hiring, and more
- Diverse Research. Improve Employee Wellbeing With These 7 Strategies
Manisha is a digital writer providing guidance in career development and growth. She facilitates skill development and implementation of the right strategies for advancement. At Jobera, She documents content around the latest market trend analysis, insights, and career planning.