Implementing 4-day Workweeks Across the Globe – Survey Results

A 4-day workweek is a relatively new concept, brought about largely due to recent advancements in technology. There are two basic kinds of four-day workweeks for organizations. Firstly is when the company closes operations for 72 continuous hours. Secondly, is a flex four-day work week, where employees can choose which four days of the week to work.

Therefore, Real Research conducted a survey regarding 4-day work weeks. This insight presents the findings of the survey. Read on and get to learn what respondents think about implementing 4-day work weeks across the globe.

Highlights

• Results drawn from the Real Research survey show that 62.84% of the respondents prefer having 4-day workweeks.
• 39.11% note that the greatest perk for institutes in implementing 4-day work weeks is a reduction in utility bills. Additionally, the biggest advantage for employees is that it reduces stress.
• Meanwhile, 30.97% say amongst the disadvantages on 4-day workweeks is a drop in customer satisfaction. 46.86% also say they cannot complete their workload in 4 days.
• 66.69% agree that 4-day workweeks should be implemented globally.
• Most survey participants prefer having an off day on Monday if 4-day workweeks are to be implemented in their countries.

62.84% Prefer Having 4-Day Work Weeks

Results on the Real Research online survey application reveal that people are in favor of having 4-day work weeks. Specifically, 62.84% of the respondents answered ‘Yes’ to say that they prefer 4-day work weeks.

On the other hand, results on the Real Research online survey application also show that 37.06% are not in favor of the idea. However, the number of those who say ‘No’ is far less than those who said ‘Yes. Hence, the majority are for the idea of companies implementing 4-day work weeks.

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Perks Associated With 4-Day Work Weeks

Institutes are still weighing the 4-day work week pros and cons in regards to operational efficiency. Thus, Real Research asked respondents what is the greatest advantage for institutes in implementing 4-day work weeks. Amazingly, the majority (39.11%) note that it is the reduction in utility bills.

Although 4-day work weeks have pros and cons, Real Research results show that there are lucrative benefits to the idea. The findings from this survey are relatively interesting. Likewise, 23.02% agree that 4-day work weeks will lower carbon footprint. In addition, this saves our environment.

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14.57% say 4-day work weeks produce happy and healthier employees. Furthermore, 13.67% say 4-day work weeks increase productivity at workplaces. Additionally, 5.70% state a drop in employee sick leaves. Meanwhile, 3.93% note that the greatest advantage is less demand for raises.

Additionally, amongst the benefits experienced by employees what is the best one? Here are the findings to this question asked on the Real Research online survey application. Amongst the 4 day work week benefits, 36.85% note that reduced stress is the biggest advantage for employees.

Work productivity increases as fewer working days reduce stress in employees. Moreover, 24.98% state that the best perk is not being overworked. Meanwhile, 15.74% say it gives more time for social activities.

10.56% of the respondents state that it increases time with family. Also, among the 4 day work week benefits, 7.81% say enough time for leisure, chores, and rest is the best one. Lastly, 4.05% love that it saves on travel expenses.

Demerits of Implementing 4-Day Work Weeks

The Real Research survey sought to know both the advantages and disadvantages of a 4 day work week. Therefore, respondents were asked a question in regards to issues that may arise from implementing a 4-day workweek. The majority of respondents (30.97%) state that there will be a drop in customer satisfaction.

Secondly, 30% say that business processes may be a little slower while 15.08% note that employees might get lazy. Following after, 10.74% highlight that not all sectors can implement this decision. Lastly, 3.85% say increments may be less or rare.

Still, on the issue of advantages and disadvantages of 4-day workweeks, respondents also gave answers as to why they cannot work for 4 days. 46.86% mention that they cannot complete their workload in 4 days. Hence, 4-day work week productivity is not efficient to keep the business running for some companies.

28.88% say fewer payments. As a matter of fact, 4 days a week means low salaries for other employees. On another note, 7.44% state that they do not know what to do with a free day.

Implementing 4-day Work Weeks Globally

Survey results on the Real Research app state that 66.69% of the respondents are in support of 4-day work weeks. Employer benefits of a 4 day work week include high productivity as overworked employees tend to be less productive in most cases. Hence, the reason most respondents are in support of 4-day work weeks.

At the time of writing the list of 4-day work, week countries include Japan, Iceland, and New Zealand. Nevertheless, 33.31% percent of the respondents are not in agreement with 4-day work weeks.

In the event that most countries adopt the 4-day work week plan, what day would respondents take for an off day? Monday (45.20%), Tuesday (14.57%), and Wednesday (9.13%). In addition, is Thursday (4.53%), Friday (13.93%), Saturday (4.24%), and Sunday (8.40%).

In conclusion, the Real Research results show that most respondents are in favor of 4-day work weeks. Most employees on a four-day week are most likely expected to work the same hours. This means longer working hours. Without a doubt, there are certain benefits such as reduced stress and less traveling expenses. However, longer working hours could also have a significant effect on employees’ productivity and the institutes at large.