Why Employees Want Four-day Work Weeks

The future of work has changed the way we think about traditional five-day, 40-hour workweeks. Although the benefits of a four-day workweek have been found to improve work environments, the traditional schedule continues to be the norm.

Microsoft is one of the most prominent examples of how four-day workweeks can be beneficial to overall business. In August 2019, the company introduced a program called “Work-Life Choice Challenge” in Japan where it closed its offices every Friday of that month. Despite work time being cut short, Microsoft saw a 40% increase in productivity compared to the same period in the year prior.

Flexible scheduling is another model that has helped companies boost productivity, retain talent and improve the employee experience. For example, software company Citrix allows employees to work from wherever on their own time. 

“Flexibility at work comes with a lot of benefits,” said Sherif Seddik, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa of Citrix. “Not only for employers and employees. It also comes with environmental benefits.”

Citrix surveyed 3,750 office and home workers across various countries and found that 87% of respondents would take a four-day workweek option if their employer offered it. 

Overall, it is clear that workplaces in the future will start to value the quality of work that comes from flexible offerings, rather than the quantity of work.