Four Day Working Week

Introduction

Generally, media reporting of a 4-day working week focuses on the positives, ie increase in productivity, engagement and energy.  However, there is another side to the story: it requires a significant shift in mindset, culture and operations.

“...It demands a level of transparency, accountability and adaptability that can be uncomfortable and challenging for both leaders and employees…”

Amantha Imber, 2024

Some challenging aspects include

-   having a difficult conversation with staff who are not performing 

-   lack of clear and objective targets will confuse staff

-   performance (individual vs team); need to stress the team's performance

-   the concept of the 4-day week becomes an entitlement/right rather than a privilege.

To handle this, you need to have

“...robust performance management systems, clear communication channels and a culture of accountability and ownership. They also underscore the need for leaders to be proactive, adaptable and willing to have tough conversations when necessary…….Like any major organisational change, it requires ongoing effort, iteration and commitment from all levels of the business…”

Amantha Imber, 2024