Finding new ways to support staff is something that many companies and business owners think about frequently, especially because there is often a new idea or suggestion that claims to offer the perfect solution. One of the ideas that has been circulating and trialled for a few years now is the 4-day working with using consolidated hours, but could this work for you?
The Main Benefits of a 4 Day Working Week
Before you leap into offering a 4 day working week, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons so that you end up with a solution that works for your team as well as for you. Some of the most important benefits include:
- Improving the work life balance of your team so that they can pursue interests outside of work or spend more time with family and friends, helping them to feel more fulfilled and happier.
- Heightened productivity as employees work harder over the four days so that they they can enjoy their time off without worrying about work. Many studies have shown that employees are more motivated during a 4 day work week as there are fewer distractions for them to navigate and no need for them to take time off for routine appointments that can be scheduled on their days off.
- Fewer incidents of burnout as people have more time away from work and can rest and recover. This is especially true in industries where working hours are long and stressful.
The Possible Drawbacks of a 4 Day Working Week
No solution will ever be perfect, especially when you are trying to balance the needs of your team with the needs of your business. Take a look at some of the possible drawbacks that may make a 4-day week difficult for you:
- Concerns about productivity will always be a concern before you adopt a 4-day week and test if it works. No business owner wants to fall behind as this can have a direct impact on your income.
- Issues with rosters could also be challenging if you always need someone in the office. Working out who should be in and when could add a headache to your already-busy workday.
What Others Have to Say
Many businesses have already trialled 4 day working weeks and the results seem to point to it being a positive decision. In the UK, a large 4 day week trial has been underway and the results appear to be resoundingly positive with a third of participating businesses stating that they are ready to make the change a permanent one. The great thing about the trials that have already taken place is that there are terrific success stories that can assuage concerns about testing it in your workplace!
Should You Consolidate Your Hours or Not?
It’s important to note that the 4 day work week can take a number of different formats. Some employers have reduced the working hours of their teams to give them the day off, while others have opted for consolidated hours instead. What’s important is that you think about what your business really needs before you decide what to do.
Consolidated hours mean that staff work the same number of hours as they previously did, but they are spread out over 4 days instead of 5, meaning longer hours in work with the benefit of an extra day off. Consolidated hours are often the preferred choice for employers as it keeps the business running smoothly but ensures that the workload is still completed.
If you want to discuss the best ways to help keep your team motivated and happy at work, the GeneCoda® team are always ready and willing to help – connect with us today and let’s arrange a time to talk!