The idea of constant three-day weekends sounds appealing, but the reality may be more complex. One emerging business trend is the four-day work week, which typically consists of four 10-hour workdays, totaling 40 hours each week, with three full days off. Some companies are even experimenting with shorter workweeks, such as 30 or 32 hours spread over four days.
An Indeed survey indicated that 46% of smaller Canadian businesses, those employing fewer than 100 office workers, are open to trying a four-day work week. This flexible scheduling model could soon be a reality for many workplaces.
Who’s Implementing This in Canada?
Several Canadian companies are already embracing the four-day work week. For example, Coconut Software, a tech firm based in Saskatoon, implemented a 32-hour work week over four days in June 2021. The result? Enhanced morale, productivity, and work-life balance. CEO Katherine Regnier stated, “We believe if you take care of your employees, they, in turn, can take better care of themselves, and, in turn, they will take better care of the customer,” highlighting the positive impact on recruitment as well.
Municipal governments in Guysborough, NS, and Zorra, ON, are also adopting this model. Additionally, YLaw, a Vancouver law firm, transitioned to nine-hour workdays and experienced a rise in profits. Staff take Wednesdays off, ensuring client calls are handled seamlessly on Thursday mornings. As Leena Yousefi shared, “As far as the client experience goes, there’s really no interruption.”
Advantages of a Four-Day Work Week
- Increased Productivity: A New Zealand company, Perpetual Guardian, reported a 20% productivity boost after adopting a four-day work week.
- More Flexibility: Employees can utilize their extra day off for medical appointments and personal errands.
- Enhanced Recruitment and Retention: Offering flexible work schedules can be a compelling incentive for attracting and retaining talent.
- Better Work-Life Balance: A large-scale trial in Iceland found that reducing the workweek from 40 to 35 or 36 hours led to lower stress levels.
- Environmental Benefits: Fewer commuting days can reduce employees’ carbon footprints.
Challenges of a Four-Day Work Week
- Overtime Considerations: Employers should assess whether they’ll need to pay overtime for employees working 10-hour days, particularly for hourly positions.
- Health Risks: Longer workdays may pose health risks, including a heightened risk of stroke.
- Coverage Issues: Scheduling employees effectively can be challenging to ensure customer and client needs are met without delays.
- Childcare Concerns: Finding childcare services that accommodate 10-hour workdays can be difficult for employees.
- Industry Limitations: This model may not be feasible for all sectors, particularly in fields like farming, customer service, and hospitality.
While the four-day work week might not suit every business, it exemplifies the growing demand for a healthier work-life balance. In today’s competitive job market, employers should consider innovative strategies to support flexible work arrangements and improve employee satisfaction.
