4 day working week
Work is one of those things we all fall into the pattern of, so when last year Ash’s working week changed, from 8 hours a day, 5 days a week to 10 hours a day, 4 days a week it was a little strange. At first we would be ready to go on his original ‘day back’ but actually, in time, it became that it actually suited us a lot better.
Ash finds when he comes home from work he just wants to crash out, after all, he does spend most of the day on his feet. Then when it came to his time off, the first day was relax day, while the second was crammed full of getting everything done, which would leave me very tired when it came to him going back to work and as some of you might know this isn’t a good thing as I am the designated driver.
However when he was switched to three days off, it meant he could relax on day 1, we could be busy on day 2 and I could relax on day 3, while he did whatever he wanted. Making for a more balanced week in my mind.
It seems like 4 day weeks doesn’t just work better for us, this inforgraphic from GoToMeeting shows that it actually seems to work for a lot of people, although it does have its downsides as well.
What do you think of the idea of a 4 day working week, do you think it would work for you?
Post written in collaboration with the aforementioned company.
What an interesting analysis of a shorter work week. Honestly I like the idea and think it could work. But we need to stop demanding so much be done during work time. Seriously so many things are not key for business success.
I would love to work only 4 days a week instead of 5, the weekends feel so short and because I have to cram everything into them they fly by.
I think this would suit me. I am very unproductive in the evenings already so doing 8am to 6.30pm instead of 4.30pm Monday to Thursday would make little difference. The only thing I can see that would suffer would be my diet – I’d be eating my main meal of the day considerably later which may cause other issues to my sleep pattern, I also would definitely not have time for any exercise in the evening. I wonder if my employer would go for it as a trial? I doubt it.
I’m torn by this. I can see both sides on it. I would love if kids got a four day week though.
I think having an extra day off it amazing although of course it comes with the cost of longer working days the rest of the time but it’s just finding a good balance that suits you. Thanks for sharing this really informative infographic
Laura x
I work a four on four off shift pattern it gives me a lot of free time but it is a long 12hour shift .
I really don’t know what impact a four day work schedule would have. My DH works from home — while it is flexible, it seems like he is working more and always working.
Ugh, it’s not really related, but they’re trying to make school run year round in our district. Oh how I hope that doesn’t pass. Kids need real breaks/time to play!
Oh and as for the 4-day work week… I think it depends on the personal situation. I liked working 5 when I was out of the house. I don’t know how well I could have kept up working 4… the work was pretty busy even with 5. 🙂
I think the infographic is interesting that Utah quit the program because they ONLY saved $1 million dollars. I think it’s a better way to work and I don’t think that means government offices have to always be closed on Friday. I think they didn’t really think of the benefits. Another option is 9/80 meaning everyone works basically an hour more each day so that they get every other Friday off.
Sounds good but I think most companies rely on each other to be there M-F so don’t think many will try it as they may (or think they will) lose business. Travel could mean many people are out of the house for well over 12 hours which would be hard but you’d save money not travelling on the fifth day.
It definitely works & makes sense but certain sectors would need extra supports e.g. childcare. Here in Ireland, childcare is dreadfully expensive so that would definitely be a factor. I’ve worked 4 day weeks (10 hours/day) in the past & loved it but I don’t have children to plan for.