Why More Companies Are Moving to a 4-Day Workweek

Intermediate | April 3, 2025

Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

The traditional five-day workweek is being reexamined as more companies explore the benefits of a four-day schedule. This shift aims to enhance productivity, employee satisfaction, and work-life balance.

Recent trials have shown promising results. For instance, a pilot program in the UK found that companies adopting a four-day workweek experienced increased efficiency and reduced turnover rates.

Employees reported feeling happier and more focused, attributing their improved performance to having an extra day to rest and manage personal responsibilities. This additional time off helps reduce burnout and promotes overall well-being.

Financial and Operational Benefits

Companies also benefit financially. With fewer days in operation, businesses can save on utilities and other operational costs. Moreover, offering a four-day workweek can be a competitive advantage in attracting top talent.

Challenges and Considerations

However, transitioning to a shorter workweek requires careful planning. Organizations must ensure that productivity remains high and customer needs are met. Some businesses opt for a compressed schedule, working four ten-hour days, while others reduce the total weekly hours without extending daily shifts.

As this trend gains momentum, it reflects a broader reevaluation of work norms and a move towards more flexible and employee-centric policies.

Vocabulary

1. Reexamined (verb) – examined again or differently. “The policy was reexamined after new evidence emerged.”
2. Enhance (verb) – to improve the quality or strength of something. “The new software will enhance our productivity.”
3. Productivity (noun) – the effectiveness of productive effort. “The team’s productivity increased after the training.”
4. Turnover (noun) – the rate at which employees leave a workforce and are replaced. “The company is concerned about its high turnover rate.”
5. Burnout (noun) – exhaustion caused by overwork or stress. “She took a vacation to recover from burnout.”
6. Operational (adj.) – relating to the functioning of an organization. “Operational costs have decreased this quarter.”
7. Competitive (adj.) – able to compete effectively. “Flexible work hours can provide a competitive advantage.”
8. Compressed (adj.) – pressed into less space or time. “Employees preferred a compressed work schedule.”
9. Momentum (noun) – the driving force gained by the development of a process. “The movement gained momentum quickly.”
10. Employee-centric (adj.) – focused primarily on employee needs. “The company is known for its employee-centric policies.”

Discussion Questions

1. What benefits does a four-day workweek offer to employees?
2. How can companies benefit financially from shorter workweeks?
3. What are some challenges companies might face with a four-day workweek?
4. How do employees generally feel about reduced workweeks?
5. What steps should a company take before transitioning to a four-day week?

Open-ended Questions

1. Would you prefer a four-day workweek? Why or why not?
2. How important is work-life balance for job satisfaction?
3. Do you think productivity increases or decreases with fewer workdays?
4. How could a shorter workweek change workplace dynamics?
5. What might be some unintended consequences of adopting a four-day workweek?

Idiom

“Work smarter, not harder.” – This means finding efficient ways to complete tasks instead of spending more time on them. It applies here as companies seek better productivity through shorter workweeks.

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This article was inspired by recent workplace trials and industry insights.