The idea and allure of a four-day workweek has been bandied about, by both employers and employees, for quite some time now. Still, despite the potential benefits that both might realize, it’s a concept that has yet to see widespread adoption.
While some forward-thinking companies across industries are testing or, in some cases, have already implemented a four-day workforce, the pace of change is slow. Still, those that have are pointing to benefits including increased productivity, better employee well-being, and greater talent retention.
Here we take a look at some use cases that provide insights into the benefits that a shorter workweek can provide in terms of both efficiency and employee engagement.
1. Microsoft Japan: Shorter Work Week Boosts Productivity Gains
In 2019, Microsoft Japan launched its Work-Life Choice Challenge, a one-month experiment where employees worked four days a week without any reduction in pay. The results were striking: productivity increased by 40%, and the company saw reductions in operational costs, including electricity and printing expenses.
Microsoft’s experiment underscored that efficiency improvements—driven by shorter meetings and better time management—can compensate for fewer working hours.
2. Kickstarter: Prioritizing Employee Well-Being
In 2022, Kickstarter transitioned to a four-day workweek as part of a broader commitment to workplace flexibility. Leadership recognized that burnout and disengagement were growing concerns and saw this shift as an opportunity to enhance job satisfaction.
The shift has made a marked difference. Kickstarter reports that employee morale and engagement have both improved—with no negative impact on business performance. That’s an outcome that challenges traditional assumptions about the relationship between hours worked and productivity.
Clearly it can be done.
3. Buffer: A Permanent Shift to a Reduced Workweek
Buffer, a social media management company, piloted a four-day workweek in 2020. After evaluating key performance indicators, the company decided to make this a permanent policy.
Buffer found that not only did productivity remain steady, but employee stress levels decreased significantly. This success demonstrates that in knowledge-based industries, results—not hours worked—are the most critical measure of success.
4. Panasonic: Offering Flexibility at Scale
While some companies have mandated a shorter workweek, others have introduced an optional four-day workweek. That’s what Panasonic did in 2022.
Panasonic has found that this flexible approach allows employees to determine the schedule that best suits their needs, reinforcing the growing emphasis on individualized work arrangements. For large organizations hesitant to implement sweeping changes, this model provides a scalable, low-risk alternative.
5. Atom Bank: A Four-Day Workweek in Financial Services
Atom Bank, a UK-based digital bank, implemented a four-day workweek in 2021, reducing the standard workweek to 34 hours while maintaining full salaries. Leadership framed this as a strategic move to attract and retain top talent in a highly competitive industry.
Despite the reduced hours, the company has reported no decline in customer service or operational efficiency, demonstrating that even traditionally rigid sectors can successfully adopt new work models.
Key Takeaways for HR and Business Leaders
These companies illustrate that a four-day workweek, when implemented thoughtfully, can lead to higher productivity, better talent retention, and improved employee well-being. However, successful adoption requires careful planning, and attention to some critical factors that must be in place to ensure the chances of success. This includes:
- Defining clear performance metrics to ensure productivity does not suffer.
- Reevaluating meeting structures and workflows to maximize efficiency.
- Assessing workforce sentiment and operational needs before making a permanent shift.
For HR professionals and business leaders, the four-day workweek represents both an opportunity and a challenge. While this work model may not be feasible for every industry, its growing adoption suggests that rethinking traditional work structures could be key to staying competitive in a rapidly evolving talent landscape.
Would your organization consider adopting a four-day workweek? If so, how would you approach implementation?
Interested in learning more about four-day workweeks? Listen to our experts during a dynamic panel discussion “Work Smarter, Not Longer: Is the 4-Day Workweek Right for Your Business?” on March 5 at 11:30am ET.
Lin Grensing-Pophal is a Contributing Editor at HR Daily Advisor.
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