Three-day weekends used to be a pipe dream, but not so much anymore.

The conversation about a 4-day week is all over the world. In fact, there is a team called 4 Day Week Global. The whole existence is to encourage businesses, employees, researchers, and government to work together and think about the work week differently. They are convinced that working four ten-hour days will improve business productivity, worker health outcomes, stronger families and communities, challenge the gender equality issue, and work towards a more sustainable work environment.

63% of businesses found it easier to attract and retain talent with a 4 day week.

 

What is 4 Day Week?

Andrew Barnes and Charlotte Lockhart are successful business owners who have decided to get serious about changing the way we work. They set up the 4 Day Week Global Foundation to fund research into 4-day week practices and the future of work and workplace wellbeing. Through this they talk to businesses around the globe, work alongside initiatives in other markets and do a lot of listening, talking, and drinking coffee.

New research from global talent solutions firm Robert Half shows:

• A majority of U.S. managers (93%) support a 4-day workweek for their team, and 64% anticipate their company will transition to one within the next 5 years.
• 8 in 10 U.S. workers (79%) would put in four 10-hour days in exchange for an additional day off each week.
• Those most interested in a shorter workweek: Gen X (81%), workers who have been with their company for 5-9 years (81%), HR professionals (83%)
• 8 in 10 workers said they would have no problem unplugging on their extra day off.

Would it work? Retaining employees and everyone's mental wellness are big topics these days. Those behind the 4 Day Week project firmly believe both would benefit from a shorter more compact work week. I already work 10-hour days, if I had to work one less - would it work? I don't know, but I for one would be willing to try it. I wouldn't necessarily call it a 4-day week. I'd probably refer to it as a 3-day weekend!