The 4-day work week didn't work for these companies — here's what went wrong

The idea of a 4-day work week might sound like a dream come true for many corporate employees. But before you get too excited, there's some disappointing news. Companies that put this idea to the test discovered that the reality of a shorter work week isn’t as perfect as it seems. Let's dive into why the 4-day work week might not be the game-changer we hoped for.

Just a few days ago, the supermarket chain Asda wrapped up its ambitious experiment with a four-day work week, deciding not to extend the trial.?

Also read:?Can Indians Hope To Get A 4-day Work Week In 2024?

The initiative aimed to compress a standard 44-hour work week into just four days instead of five, with employees working 11-hour shifts each day for the same pay.?

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While the idea of a shorter work week seemed promising, it quickly became clear that the reality fell short of expectations.?

Many employees found the extended hours to be physically exhausting, and the new schedule posed significant challenges for those with caregiving responsibilities or who relied on public transport.

On the other hand, South Cambridgeshire Council’d four-day work week experiment was deemed a success.?

This trial, which involved 450 desk staff and refuse collectors, was the largest public sector trial of its kind in the UK.?

The Council reported a range of positive outcomes, including a notable increase in productivity, a 39% reduction in staff turnover, and estimated savings of ?371,500, primarily from reduced agency staff costs.?

These contrasting outcomes from Asda and South Cambridgeshire Council offer valuable insights into the potential of the four-day work week.?

While Asda’s experience shows the practical difficulties of implementing such a change, South Cambridgeshire Council’s success underscores the benefits that can be achieved with careful planning and execution.?

Where does India stand in terms of a 4-day work week?

Credit: Entrepreneur

In a study conducted by Qualtrics in May 2022, 86% of employees in India expressed the belief that a four-day work week could greatly enhance their work-life balance. Additionally, 84% felt it would improve their mental well-being, and 85% believed it would increase their loyalty to their employers, with 84% also expecting a boost in productivity.

However, the reality of implementing a four-day work week in India is fraught with challenges.?

The standard work week in India is generally five days, with some sectors requiring a six-day schedule, and work often extends into the weekends.

Transitioning to a four-day work week would also mean lengthening daily work hours to up to 10 hours, raising questions about whether employees would be willing to accept such a demanding schedule.?

These practical considerations highlight the significant hurdles in making the four-day work week a viable option in the Indian work environment.

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