I can only speak about a hybrid week but more time for workers to take advantage of other businesses being open has got to make them way more productive.
Depends on how the company sets up the four-day work week.
If it’s 40 hours in four days, that’s what many Japanese salarymen do now only in five days instead of four.
If it’s 32 hours in four days WITH a cut in pay, who’d want to make less than they do now (with probably the same amount of work)?
If it’s 32 hours in four days with NO cut in pay, I’d jump at the chance.
From what I’ve read, one benefit of four-day work weeks is an increase in worker productivity. From what I’ve read, one disadvantage of four-day work weeks is the Japanese boss has less control over their workers.
The only problem is the payment of wages. If then also only four days are paid, the masses become poor and of course the consumption goes down, leading to closing companies and unemployment. Now let's have a look at the scenario of four days, but with the same salary as of former five working days per week. That immediately and extremely raises the operational costs for companies on one side, and the employees also won't be happy so much, because now the same available amount has to be distributed on three days of leisure time. Think a minute when you mostly spend your money. That's surely not on working days, which only cost a cheap lunch and some gasoline or commuter train tickets. Working a day less sounds nice, but what can you still do during the three free days with only the money for two days? No, those are all hurting own goals and no one will be happy with it. Finally we have the option of only four working days plus wage raises that let you fully enjoy the now three days of leisure time. I guess everyone knows, that this is no applicable or realistic option.
but more time for workers to take advantage of other businesses being open has got to make them way more productive.
Only if they are equally productive in their reduced 4day working period. to ensure they EARN the income. As an ex-construction management GUY, where has the more productive and higher paying six/seven day week gone. Earn the 'bucks' then clear the mortgage so you can take care of the kid's schools and Unis. Lifestyle is hybrid. Sleep or work hybrid.
If it's the same wage at 40 hours a week but 10 hours squeezed into 4 days, then the extra day off has lots of benefits.
You can take longer trips more often, spend an extra day with your kids, do a side business if you're so inclined, a weekday where you can take care of all your errands since everything is open, or just chilling for three days, especially in a row, has a major relaxaton effect esp. mentally.
Yes, the two extra hours a day sucks but it's a lot easier to tack on a couple of hours a day than it is to rev up your motor from scratch to go into the office for a full extra fifth day.
Australia as had a a four day work week once a month and Government service has had a four day work week twice a month. Both for over 30 years. It part of the culture now and to go back to a 40 hour five days a weeks would see mass protest. It work for the Australia culture. That because Aussies work hard and get paid for decent hard work and have great Unions.
14 Comments
Login to comment
TaiwanIsNotChina
I can only speak about a hybrid week but more time for workers to take advantage of other businesses being open has got to make them way more productive.
Toshihiro
never tried this workweek but a close friend does, here's what she told me
pros: you have one extra day to live. this is more pronounced if you live far away.
cons: you have almost little to no time to do chores and do other things after work since you're tired.
If you ask me, a compressed workweek is best for people who live close to their workplace and can manage to do their chores with little to no time.
Laguna
A con is that you still have to work four days.
borscht
Depends on how the company sets up the four-day work week.
If it’s 40 hours in four days, that’s what many Japanese salarymen do now only in five days instead of four.
If it’s 32 hours in four days WITH a cut in pay, who’d want to make less than they do now (with probably the same amount of work)?
If it’s 32 hours in four days with NO cut in pay, I’d jump at the chance.
From what I’ve read, one benefit of four-day work weeks is an increase in worker productivity. From what I’ve read, one disadvantage of four-day work weeks is the Japanese boss has less control over their workers.
Sven Asai
The only problem is the payment of wages. If then also only four days are paid, the masses become poor and of course the consumption goes down, leading to closing companies and unemployment. Now let's have a look at the scenario of four days, but with the same salary as of former five working days per week. That immediately and extremely raises the operational costs for companies on one side, and the employees also won't be happy so much, because now the same available amount has to be distributed on three days of leisure time. Think a minute when you mostly spend your money. That's surely not on working days, which only cost a cheap lunch and some gasoline or commuter train tickets. Working a day less sounds nice, but what can you still do during the three free days with only the money for two days? No, those are all hurting own goals and no one will be happy with it. Finally we have the option of only four working days plus wage raises that let you fully enjoy the now three days of leisure time. I guess everyone knows, that this is no applicable or realistic option.
iron man
TNC
but more time for workers to take advantage of other businesses being open has got to make them way more productive.
Only if they are equally productive in their reduced 4day working period. to ensure they EARN the income. As an ex-construction management GUY, where has the more productive and higher paying six/seven day week gone. Earn the 'bucks' then clear the mortgage so you can take care of the kid's schools and Unis. Lifestyle is hybrid. Sleep or work hybrid.
Speed
If it's the same wage at 40 hours a week but 10 hours squeezed into 4 days, then the extra day off has lots of benefits.
You can take longer trips more often, spend an extra day with your kids, do a side business if you're so inclined, a weekday where you can take care of all your errands since everything is open, or just chilling for three days, especially in a row, has a major relaxaton effect esp. mentally.
Yes, the two extra hours a day sucks but it's a lot easier to tack on a couple of hours a day than it is to rev up your motor from scratch to go into the office for a full extra fifth day.
aaronagstring
Fitter, happier, more productive…..
Aly Rustom
All pros. No cons- UNLESS the company decides that since you are working 4 days instead of 5, they can lower your wages a bit.
Politik Kills
There are cons??
John-San
Australia as had a a four day work week once a month and Government service has had a four day work week twice a month. Both for over 30 years. It part of the culture now and to go back to a 40 hour five days a weeks would see mass protest. It work for the Australia culture. That because Aussies work hard and get paid for decent hard work and have great Unions.
Hugh G Bonar
I work seven days a week. I need to get a life.
bass4funk
Ditto
spinningplates
I work everyday too. Because i can, and because I want to.
If you give me a day off of my weekday job, with no reduction in pay...Oh Hell yeah!
But you and i both know know 4 day work week = BIG reduction in your salary.
So much about our society would need to change for it to be viable.