All articles tagged with #4 day workweek
Iceland's successful adoption of a four-day workweek since 2019 has demonstrated stable or increased productivity, improved mental health, greater gender equality, and enhanced quality of life, serving as an inspiring model for other countries considering similar reforms, with Generation Z playing a key role in advocating for this change.
Bosch, a major German automotive supplier, is reducing the workweek for 450 employees to four days due to economic challenges, including declining demand and competition from China. This move reflects broader struggles in Germany's economy, which is facing a second year of negative growth and a manufacturing recession. Bosch's decision follows similar actions by other European carmakers, like Volkswagen and Stellantis, as they grapple with cost-cutting measures and reduced demand.
A study in the United Kingdom found that after one year of implementing a four-day workweek, 89% of participating companies continued the structure, with 51% making it permanent. The study reported increased efficiency, happier employees, and lower turnover rates. Both managers and staff members noted positive impacts on well-being, work-life balance, and general life satisfaction. Internationally, the four-day workweek has gained traction, with countries like Spain, Iceland, and South Africa implementing trials, and U.S. lawmakers considering similar legislation.
A Canadian purchasing software company, Procurify, reduced employee workweeks by 8 hours and implemented a 20% pay cut to avoid layoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CEO, Aman Mann, sought employee feedback before making the decision, which resulted in only one employee leaving. After three months, the company's budgets returned to normal, and salaries were restored to 100%. Procurify then made the 4-day workweek permanent, noting increased focus and energy among staff. This move aligns with a global trend towards shorter workweeks, with positive results reported in various trials.
Aman Mann, CEO of Procurify, implemented a 4-day workweek in 2020 to avoid layoffs and reduce overhead costs during the pandemic. The move was well-received by employees and led to improved productivity, morale, and work-life balance. Despite challenges in prioritization, the company permanently adopted the shortened schedule and restored everyone's salaries to 100%. Mann believes the 4-day workweek could become the new standard in the business world as companies focus more on achieving objectives efficiently rather than set hours.
Bernie Sanders expressed support for a 4-day workweek, aligning with the demands of striking auto workers. He argued that long working hours contribute to declining life expectancy in the US and emphasized the need to reduce stress and improve work-life balance. Sanders suggested that a shorter workweek, such as a 32-hour, four-day week, could be a just reward for increased worker productivity and advancements in technology. He called for a serious discussion on lowering the workweek and acknowledged the United Auto Workers' efforts in initiating this conversation.