In the summer of 2019, I began to notice that my work routine shifted from a frantic scramble to a more manageable schedule. With my kids growing older and my work-from-home setup becoming more effective, distractions became less frequent. I was learning to organize my tasks, prioritize effectively, and focus on one thing at a time.
One week, I decided to put in extra effort so I could take a Friday off to enjoy a day at the beach with my children. It was absolutely wonderful. As we lounged on the soft sand, it hit me that since I was self-employed, I could make this a weekly occurrence if I chose. The following Friday, we spent the day at a friend’s pool, and the next week was all about back-to-school shopping, indulging in oversized pretzels and refreshing smoothies at the mall.
When my kids returned to school, I resolved to keep my Fridays free. I felt more like myself and found I could manage my workload better across four days, knowing I had a long weekend to look forward to. This change allowed me to be more productive, eliminating the nagging worries about fitting in tasks like car washes, dentist appointments, or grocery shopping—I could handle it all on Fridays.
Now, I understand that not everyone has the flexibility of a self-employed schedule. However, many companies are exploring the four-day workweek concept, which could lead to broader acceptance. The challenge of maintaining a work/life balance is well-known and can significantly impact our mental and physical well-being.
As reported by Time, Spain is rolling out a nationwide trial for a four-day work week, and the idea has been discussed since the early 20th century. Economist John Maynard Keynes even suggested that improved efficiency would eventually lead to more leisure time in industrialized societies.
Microsoft Japan recently trialed a four-day workweek and reported a significant boost in productivity. In the U.S., Shake Shack initiated a pilot program for some supervisors, who found it has positively impacted their lives and finances by saving them a day of childcare. CEO Randy Garutti noted that this initiative has attracted more job applicants.
At Wildbit, the co-founder and CEO shared that implementing a four-day workweek led to higher productivity and better quality work. A survey conducted by a parenting website revealed that many respondents were enthusiastically in favor of a four-day work week. One participant, John M., shared that his shorter week has transformed his life; the extra day off significantly enhances his mental health.
Others like Kelsey Z. and her husband, who own a business, have also adopted a four-day work week model, reporting high productivity and employee satisfaction. Sarah C., who works three 12-hour shifts, said she could never return to a five-day work week despite its challenges.
Adopting a four-day workweek is not without its complexities; industries like retail and hospitality would need to hire additional staff to accommodate this change. Yet, many people are eager to embrace this shift, wondering why it has taken so long to gain traction.
For me, this change has been life-altering. I feel more rested, less stressed, and my Fridays are now productive, allowing me to truly enjoy my weekends without the burden of catching up.
Are you in favor of the four-day workweek, or do you prefer the traditional five-day schedule?
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In summary, adopting a four-day work week has transformed my life, enhancing my happiness and parenting abilities. The balance it provides is invaluable, and it seems to be a growing trend worth considering.