Pandemic-era labor market pushes some companies to experiment with 4-day workweek

WASHINGTON (TND) — The pandemic is becoming a game-changer in the workforce as more companies embrace non-traditional policies to attract and keep workers.

Now, some companies around the world are experimenting with a four-day workweek.

Before becoming president, Richard Nixon forecasted in 1956 that the four-day workweek would be the future. It turns out the future is 2022 with non-profits like 4 Day Week Global leading the charge.

"One thing that has been a game changer in terms of moving this from a niche idea more to mainstream has been the pandemic,” said Joe O’Conner, CEO of 4 Day Week Global.

4 Day Week Global is running a six-month pilot program in the United Kingdom with more than 70 companies and more than 3,300 employees working just four days a week.

"I believe a four-day work week can be the golden handcuffs to keep your good people,” career strategist Julie Bauke said.

Bauke is tracking the U.K. pilot program. 4 Day Week Global just released an update saying that 41 companies responded to their survey with 88% saying the four-day week is “working well" for their business.

“They have time to get their doctors appointments and exercise to pursue hobbies to be more mentally ready to work hard the other four days,” Bauke said.

But some companies are leery. Entrepreneur listed some possible drawbacks including customer support availability, scheduling issues and increased pressure on employees to get work done in four days.

“In the majority of situations we are talking about employees moving to a four-day work week but diving roaster and schedules that ensure you had adequate coverage so that the business can operate on a five-day basis,” O’Conner said.

The six-month trial is halfway complete. Other results indicate that 46% of respondents say their business productivity has maintained around the same level while 34% report that it has improved slightly and 15% say it has improved significantly.