The idea of a 4-day workweek has been a hot topic of discussion for businesses across the globe, with a few notable companies making this transition. In places such as the US, UK, New Zealand and even Japan, household names including Microsoft, Shake Shack, Morrisons and Unilever have trialled longer shifts without sacrificing employee productivity giving employees a greater sense of work-life balance.
In Asia, business sentiments towards a reduced 4-day week remain sceptical given concerns relating to employee benefits and productivity. However, a recent study by Milieu Insight has shed light on the positive sentiments felt by employees on a ‘compressed’ workweek. A compressed workweek is where employees are still expected to work 40 hours per week (i.e., 10 hours per day) and will have three days off instead of the usual two.
The study, which was conducted across Southeast Asia, revealed that receptiveness towards compressed 4-day weeks is positive, with at least 7 out of 10 respondents indicating they would like this arrangement to be put in place at their workplace. The idea was most well-received in Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand where over three-quarters of the workforce hold positive stances. In Malaysia however, sentiments were more neutral with slightly less than half the workforce liking the idea of a compressed workweek.
Greater work-life balance
As expected, a greater sense of work-life balance was the benefit that most workers expected to see as a result of a compressed 4-day week along with getting to spend additional time with their loved ones. On the other hand, respondents’ main concerns related to lower salaries and feeling stressed due to the extended working hours, highlighting the need to delicately balance employees’ and employers’ expectations.
Whilst both management and junior level staff were on the same page when comparing receptiveness towards the 4-day arrangement, respondents who were graded manager or above were most concerned that there would be additional difficulties in managing their team along with needing to achieve a higher level productivity.
Overall, as continued global events continue to redefine workers’ expectations and priorities in regard to benefits and well-being, the idea of a 4-day week is one that has proven to be effective. When Microsoft Japan’s offices trialled the idea, they saw a whopping 40% increase in productivity with similar success being replicated in New Zealand & Sweden. As the world of work continues to evolve to adapt to the 21st century, businesses will need to keep an open mind and consider all possibilities as they redefine their workspaces.
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
