There are no words to describe how amazing it is to work a 4-day work week. Having a Friday off is so different to the weekends as it is busier and has a high-vibe feeling compared to the weekend. I felt so excited and energised to have a Friday off every week and was able to fit so many fun activities into my day. Further, I felt as though I had an actual weekend as you have time to fit everything in – exercise, socialising, going away, life admin and appointments. As a result my energy increased and my quality of life and sleep patterns improved.

From a work perspective, as I am highly organised I found it easy to fit everything in. I felt more energised and productive knowing I had a 4-day work week. From my perspective, working a 4-day work week is a game changer and a winning option for both the employer and the employee.

An organisation helping organisations globally to shift from archaic ways of working and adopt more innovative ways of working is a not-for-profit, 4 Day Week Global. This organisation is based in New Zealand and aims to reshape the way we think about work, by shifting the conversation from hours and focusing on productivity and output.

According to the 4 Day Week Global there are a plethora of benefits including improved sleep, mental well-being and physical health, creates great teams, increases in productivity, environmental benefits, improves employee engagement and boosts job satisfaction and morale.

A Melbourne software business which is now an employer of choice first adopted a four-day week as part of a six-month pilot in mid-2022. In a ABC news article, the Managing Director shared that the trial was so effective that they adopted the change permanently and cannot think of a downside to the arrangement.

To attest this point, John Hopkins, Associate Professor from Swinburne University of Technology stated to ABC Radio, Melbourne that he had never seen such positive results in more than a decade of researching flexible work arrangements. (ABC news,2023).

It is important for organisations to trial innovative ways of working to ensure businesses and people thrive. Would love to hear your thoughts and experience whether you are a leader, entrepreneur or employee on the 4-day work week.

 

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