For most companies, a standard workweek for their employees involves five 8-hour days, which results in 40 hours of work every week. Additionally, it’s highly reliant on a set schedule, with employees assigned to specific shifts all being present and working at the same time.
Largely, the decision to align schedules with these traditions is based on the assumption that doing so is necessary to maintain productivity. However, evidence suggests that a traditional five-day workweek with set schedules isn’t a genuine necessity. Instead, four-day workweeks or flex scheduling can both lead to improved productivity, as well as increased employee satisfaction, better work-life balance, and more. As a result, it’s time for many companies to re-examine the four-day workweek and flex scheduling.
Here’s a closer look at the benefits of these flexible work arrangements provide.
Benefits of a 4-Day Workweek
Shifting to a four-day workweek that doesn’t involve a compressed schedule – instead resulting in a reduction of total hours worked – is shown to actually increase productivity, not decrease it. Some of the gains are attributed to stress reduction, as overworked employees typically don’t perform as well as workers who don’t feel overburdened.
Plus, a four-day workweek boosts job satisfaction, leading to higher morale, greater company loyalty, and further productivity gains. Additionally, engagement typically rises as work-life balance improves. By having an extra day off each week, employees have more time to manage their personal lives, making it easier to focus when they are on the clock.
Four-day workweeks also help companies reduce costs. They can reduce their use of utilities by either shutting down one extra day per week or having fewer employees on site each day. In some cases, they can even transition into smaller facilities if there aren’t as many workers present on any given day, leading to rental or real estate cost reductions.
Finally, a four-day workweek can alleviate recruitment and retention woes. It’s not a common offering, but it’s something that many professionals desire. As a result, it can help a company establish itself as an employer of choice, reducing turnover while increasing access to top talent.
Benefits of Flex Scheduling
For companies that can’t feasibly shift to a four-day workweek, offering flexible schedules could be a solid alternative. It allows professionals to adjust when they work based on what suits them. Typically, this leads to improved work-life balance, as well as a reduction in the use of paid leave. Employees can simply alter their hours to accommodate appointments and various obligations, all while remaining productive.
As with a four-day workweek, flex scheduling is shown to improve engagement and morale, leading to higher productivity. Additionally, with enhanced job satisfaction, turnover tends to decline. Finally, flex scheduling can make recruitment easier, as it’s a desirable benefit that’s not commonly offered, making your positions more attractive to top talent.
Contact the Advance Group Today
Ultimately, re-evaluating four-day workweeks and flex scheduling is wise, particularly as companies battle against a labor shortage. If you’d like to learn more or want to connect with high-quality candidates that can fill your vacant positions, The Advance Group wants to hear from you. Contact us today.
