Remote work policies highlight the importance of life beyond the office, with some companies going further with a highly sought-after four-day workweek benefit since the pandemic began.
What Is a Four-Day Workweek?
A four-day workweek means working 32 hours without any cut in pay or benefits, wherein employees might choose their extra day off depending on the company and the industry.
The Origins of Working Fewer Days
The concept of working fewer days to increase time off is not new. Ford Motor Co. and the Industrial Revolution initiated the five-day workweek in July 1926 in a few plants, which later became the standard policy across the company by September of the same year.
In 1938, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) set rules like a minimum wage of 25 cents per hour, a 44-hour workweek, and overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate, and reduced the workweek to 42 hours in 1939 and 40 hours in 1940.
READ ALSO: Workplace Revolution: 75% of U.S. Employees Believe Four-Day Workweek Could Boost Productivity
Companies Adapting to Four-Day Workweek
Amazon
While not every Amazon employee has a four-day workweek, the e-commerce giant has increasingly offered it. From October 2021 to March 2022, nearly one-third of Amazon job listings mentioned this perk, showing a rising trend in the business world.
Basecamp
Basecamp had gone beyond a four-day workweek with summer weeks since 2008 when they switched to a four-day workweek from May 1st to August 31st every single year.
BigLaw
Several BigLaw firms, like Davis Polk & Wardwell, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, and Weil, Gotshal & Manges, switched to a four-day workweek in the summer of 2023. Employees now work only Monday to Thursday, with Fridays off, while still getting regular pay.
Bolt
In 2021, Bolt Financial tried the four-day workweek for three months, which was a hit. So, from January 1st, 2022, they made it permanent for all staff. According to an interview with its founder, Bolt lets employees choose their work hours but sets aside four days a week for collaboration, ensuring meetings do not ruin perfect Fridays.
Buffer
Buffer, known for its innovative approaches, tested the four-day workweek in May 2020, with 91% of employees reporting increased happiness and productivity in a survey. Now, social media management companies have fully adopted this policy.
CARFAX
CARFAX offers its employees the option of a 4-day work week during the summer, providing a full 32-hour work week instead of extending hours from Monday to Thursday.
Ecosia
Ecosia, a unique search engine that uses ad revenue to plant trees and has planted 150 million so far, also offers employees a 4-day work week and remote work options, which grants participating employees 80% of their salary.
Forbes Advisor
Forbes Advisor, part of the American business magazine Forbes, offers financial advice. While not fully adopting the 4-day work week, employees enjoy every 3rd Friday off, granting twelve long weekends yearly.
Kickstarter
Kickstarter, the fundraising company, has been implementing the four-day workweek for months, yielding excellent results. Like many companies, Kickstarter initially tested the policy before fully adopting it. They were surprised by the positive impact on productivity, which was attributed to staff finding more efficient work methods.
KRÜSS
The 4-day workweek trend is global. A German company, a top supplier of measuring instruments, has adopted nine hours a day for four days, totaling 36 hours per week.
Lamborghini
Luxury car maker Lamborghini made headlines in December 2023 by introducing a groundbreaking four-day workweek for its European automotive production staff, offering the same pay.
Microsoft
Even major companies like Microsoft cannot ignore the productivity boosts during four-day work weeks. Microsoft Japan tested this in 2019 and saw a remarkable 40% increase in productivity. While U.S. offices have not adopted it yet, it is likely just a matter of time before more businesses recognize the benefits of a four-day workweek.
Panasonic
Like Microsoft, Panasonic also tried the four-day workweek in its Japan offices. While the results were great, the main focus was not on the company's profits but on its employees' long-term health and well-being.
Samsung
The South Korean tech giant is considering implementing a 4-day work week with conditions where employees will only have the opportunity to work a 4-day week once a month and must ensure they fulfill their monthly working hours. This cautious approach suggests that Samsung is gradually exploring the concept, but there is hope it may expand.
ThredUp
ThredUP initially implemented the four-day workweek as a trial to assess its effectiveness. Not only did it enhance productivity, but CEO James Reinhart also mentioned that it aided in attracting top talent, as over half of recruits cited the four-day workweek as a significant factor in their decision to join the company.
Toshiba
While Toshiba allows employees to complete a 40-hour workweek, it maximizes enjoyment during holiday weekends.
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