The idea of changing the work week from five days to four days has been a popular option for business owners and employees alike. The idea behind a four day work week does not give way to a complete overhaul of a business and its operations. Simply put, a four day work week still encompasses the same amount of hours worked, employees used, and productivity achieved in a condensed version of four days a week. There are a number of advantages and disadvantages that come along with this dramatic change.
Reduction In Costs
Adjusting a business to a four day work week schedule could yield lower costs on all levels. Employees would see a reduction in commuting to and from work saving them money and lessening the effect of energy emissions. Businesses would see a reduction in utility, maintenance and operational costs around the board with a four day work week.
Risk of Sales
A reduced workweek ending on Thursday could put your business at risk of losing sales and customers that you otherwise would have had if you were open five days out of the week. This was the case in Utah back in 2008-2009. Utah changed their work weeks from five to four days and saw great improvement in employees happiness and quality of work life. Unfortunately, they transitioned back into the five-day mold three years later due to complaints from consumers about not having Friday as a day to receive services.
Customer Satisfaction
Opposing the view that a four hour work week could impair sales, a four day work week could also increase customer satisfaction. Shifting to a four hour work week calls for an adjustment in your business hours. The extended business hours could create a positive buzz among your customers for the extended hours of service, especially customers who normally would not be able to reach your business during the hours of a five day work week.
There are a number of other factors that contribute to the advantages and disadvantages of a four day work week. Deciding to shift to a four day work week should be entirely up to you and your business. Not every business model will fit into a four day work week. Communicate with your staff and your customers to weigh the pros and cons of shifting your business to a four day work week design.