Working more than 4o hours a week seems to be the norm, but working long hours does not necessarily equate to working hard.
Recently, Microsoft did an experiment in Japan. Due to it having one of the most extreme working culture, the company introduced 'Work Life Choice Challenge Summer 2019' . This trial experiment implemented a four-day work week challenge whereby, employees would work traditional 40 hours a week over four days or work typical eight-hours in four days. Inclusive of the experiment, they closed the offices every Friday in August and offered paid leave for full-time employees.

The result of the experiment was a 40% increase in productivity. They achieved this through;

  • Shortening meetings to a 30 minute time limit
  • Encouraging remote communication
But this isn't the first time the four-day workweek topic has been raised. Before the Great Depression in America, 30-hour work weeks were the norm before more hours equated to more pay.
It has been suggested by environmentalists that four-day workweek could help in the curbing of climate change. As workers consume less resources during their commutes.
The point of the experiment was to promote a healthier work-life balance as Japan has a tendency to overwork its people.
Microsoft isn't the first company to try this. In 2018, a New Zealand company called Perpetual Guardians opted to implement the four-day workweek while paying its employees wages. The results of the policy were a boost in work-life balance and lower stress levels. Even Virgin founder Richard Branson outlines the merit that it boosts happiness.
What are your thoughts? Is it time for a four-day work week?

About The Author

Author
Maureen Kasuku

Maureen is our resident cat lady and Beyoncé stan. She writes about spas, brunch and ballet recitals but has never been to any. Moonlights as a social justice activist in her spare time. She knows things and is obnoxiously opinionated on the internet but not in real life

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