The 4-day workweek is no longer just a wild idea tossed around by dreamers who hate Mondays. More companies are testing it out—and the results are hard to ignore. Employees report being happier and more productive, and businesses see lower turnover and even cost savings.
If you’ve ever wished for an extra day to actually live your life instead of just recovering from work, this might be the future we’re heading toward. Here’s why.
1. Better Work-Life Balance (And Less Burnout)
We all know the struggle: You work all week, try to squeeze in some fun on Saturday, and by Sunday evening, the Monday dread creeps in. A 4-day workweek changes that equation.
A recent UK pilot program involving 61 companies found that 71% of employees reported lower levels of burnout, while 39% said they felt less stressed overall. With an extra day off, employees have more time to take care of personal responsibilities, pursue hobbies, or just relax without guilt.
Less burnout means happier employees, and happier employees tend to stick around longer. Speaking of which...
2. Increased Productivity (Less Time, More Focus)
It turns out that working fewer hours can actually lead to getting more done. When Microsoft Japan tested a 4-day workweek, they saw a 40% increase in productivity.
Why? Because when time is limited, people tend to cut out distractions. Unnecessary meetings shrink, procrastination drops, and employees focus on the tasks that actually matter.
It’s the same reason why people cram more work into the hours before a vacation—when you know time is short, you make it count.
3. Higher Employee Retention (Because No One Wants to Leave a Good Thing)
Hiring and training new employees is expensive. But when companies switch to a 4-day workweek, employees are more likely to stay.
During the UK pilot, participating businesses saw a 57% decrease in employee turnover. A shorter workweek is a major perk that keeps employees engaged, reduces job-hopping, and helps businesses hold onto top talent.
If an employee is choosing between two jobs with similar pay, but one offers a permanent three-day weekend, the decision isn’t hard.
4. Environmental and Cost Savings (Less Commuting, Less Spending)
Fewer workdays mean fewer commutes, which means fewer emissions. The UK trial reported that participants spent 27% less time commuting, which translates into lower carbon footprints.
For businesses, a 4-day workweek can also mean cost savings on office utilities, supplies, and even real estate if fewer employees need to be in-office at the same time.
For employees? That’s one less day of commuting costs, one less day of expensive lunch outings, and maybe even lower childcare expenses.
5. More Engagement, Less Absenteeism
When people are overworked, they call in sick more often (whether they’re actually sick or just mentally exhausted). A shorter workweek gives employees built-in recovery time, which means they show up to work more refreshed.
In the UK pilot, businesses reported a 65% reduction in sick days. That’s huge for companies, and it means fewer last-minute scrambles to cover for missing employees.
Final Thoughts: Is the 4-Day Workweek the Future?
The data makes a strong case for it. A shorter workweek can lead to happier, healthier employees, higher productivity, lower turnover, and even cost savings. It’s a win-win for both workers and employers.
Of course, every industry is different, and not every job can shift to a four-day schedule. But as more companies experiment with the idea, it’s clear that a better balance between work and life is possible—and maybe, just maybe, the future of work isn’t quite as exhausting as it used to be.
Would you take a 4-day workweek if given the option? Let’s discuss!
If you found this blog post helpful, please share it with your friends and colleagues. And if you have any other tips, share them in the comments below.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rob Stalder is driven by the one thing he values most in life: joy. The joy in feeling like a kid again, the joy in fulfilling a sense of adventure, the joy in making a difference in peoples’ lives and the joy in helping others become the best versions of themselves. He uses the skills and expertise he's garnered throughout his career to bring joy to life—both for himself and for others.
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