In the summer of 2019, I began to notice that my workload felt less like a constant scramble and more like a manageable routine. This shift was largely due to my children growing older, which meant fewer distractions while I worked from home. I also found that I was becoming more adept at organizing my tasks and focusing on what needed to be done, rather than juggling multiple responsibilities at once.
One week, I decided to put in some extra hours so that I could take a Friday off and enjoy a day at the beach with my kids. It was absolutely wonderful! As I relaxed on the warm sand, I realized that since I was self-employed, I had the flexibility to make this a regular occurrence if I chose.
The following Friday, we enjoyed a day at a friend’s pool, and the week after that was filled with back-to-school shopping where we indulged in oversized pretzels and refreshing smoothies at the mall. When my kids went back to school, I resolved to keep my Fridays free. It brought me a sense of peace and allowed me to reconnect with myself. Knowing that I could manage my workload over four days made looking forward to a three-day weekend even more rewarding.
This new schedule has also boosted my productivity. I no longer stress about fitting in errands like getting the car washed or making dentist appointments; I know Fridays are reserved for that.
For those who aren’t self-employed, it may seem like a four-day work week is out of reach. However, many companies are starting to explore this concept. The ongoing struggle for work-life balance is something that affects our mental and physical well-being. For instance, Time reported that earlier this year, the Spanish government initiated a nationwide trial of a four-day work week, and in March, they planned to finalize the details. The concept isn’t new; many left-leaning political groups have advocated for it since the early 20th century. Notably, economist John Maynard Keynes suggested that greater efficiency in the workforce would eventually lead to more leisure time in industrialized societies.
Microsoft Japan implemented a four-day work week and saw a significant increase in employee productivity. In the U.S., Shake Shack has launched a pilot program allowing some store supervisors to experience the shorter work week, which has positively impacted their lives and finances by reducing childcare costs. This initiative has proven so attractive that it has helped draw new applicants, according to CEO Randy Garutti.
Similarly, the co-founder and CEO of Wildbit shared that after introducing a four-day work week, their team experienced enhanced productivity and quality of work. Feedback from various individuals suggests that the majority are enthusiastic about adopting a four-day work week. One person mentioned that while two additional hours of work don’t affect his mental health, an extra day off significantly improves his overall well-being.
Kathy, who runs a business with her husband, has implemented a four-day work week for their employees, who also work four 10-hour days. She reports that their productivity remains high, and they return to work rested. Sarah, on the other hand, works three 12-hour shifts and can’t imagine going back to a traditional five-day work week, even if it is exhausting.
Of course, transitioning to a four-day work week poses challenges, particularly for businesses that rely on a larger workforce. It’s clear that many people are supportive of this shift and are wondering why it has taken so long to implement.
For me, the four-day work week has transformed my life. I feel more rejuvenated, less stressed, and Fridays have become a productive day rather than a catch-up day. This change allows me to truly enjoy my weekends.
Are you on board with the four-day work week, or do you prefer the traditional five days on and two days off?
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Summary: The author reflects on how transitioning to a four-day work week has led to greater happiness and productivity, particularly benefiting her role as a mom. With multiple companies exploring this approach, the article discusses the positive impacts seen in both personal and professional realms.