Nearly two-thirds of The Logic’s subscribers would support the implementation of a four-day workweek. However, fewer than seven per cent of their workplaces have introduced one.

Sixty-four per cent of respondents said they favoured a four-day workweek, The Logic’s latest subscriber survey found. Seventeen per cent said they would not support its introduction, and 20 per cent said they may consider it. Meanwhile, 85 per cent of subscribers said their workplace had not implemented one.

Many subscribers believe that a shortened workweek would benefit workers by reducing stress and improving work-life balance—particularly during COVID-19.

“WFH is extending work days. Results, relationships and processes have been maintained and in some cases improved. However, it is vital that people are able to disconnect to replenish their bank of creativity away from work. A four-day week supports that,” one subscriber wrote.

After many firms pivoted to remote work during the pandemic, some are considering revamping schedules for greater flexibility. The four-day workweek is not a new concept, but it’s gaining momentum. Kickstarter and Unilever are both experimenting with it. Spain is trialling it nationally, while Japan is encouraging firms to introduce the option. Proponents say companies that condense their workweek remain equally productive, while the environment, labour market, and workers also reap rewards.

The Logic’s subscribers certainly see benefits, with many saying they would expect to remain productive and efficient, while being better rested. “Would rather focus hard during the week and have a bigger break on the weekends. Will have me feeling more refreshed on Monday rather than just doing chores all weekend and restarting work on Monday,” one wrote.

However, some subscribers were hesitant about whether they could realistically make it work, particularly in industries with customers or clients who aren’t on the same schedule. “I love the idea of a four-day week but am also cognizant that we have clients to serve who may not adopt a four-day workweek. If it could be implemented in a way to ensure a high service standard, I would be fully supportive,” one said.

Others worried that their Friday hours would bleed into the rest of the week, or suggested that their workload wouldn’t allow for it.

“I would settle for a five [day] workweek at this point,” one said. 

Subscribers were generally confident that a four-day workweek would be good for operations and the bottom line. Thirty-nine per cent of respondents said it would have a positive impact, and 28 per cent said it would have a negative impact. Fourteen per cent said they didn’t know. One subscriber noted that the model would help attract and retain talent.

Besides the four-day workweek, companies have been experimenting with other approaches to provide paid time off during the pandemic. For example, Kitchener, Ont.-based Miovision has extended all three-day holiday weekends to four days, and Austin, Texas-based dating-app maker Bumble is giving its entire staff an extra week off to recover from burnout.

While only a small majority of subscribers currently work a four-day week, several said their employers have introduced “summer hours,” with half days on Fridays, or extended long weekends. Still, one respondent said they don’t really unplug during that time. “Of course, I just catch up with my work that afternoon and don’t actually take it off.”

Seventeen per cent of subscribers said that their companies have introduced additional options for paid time off, including more personal days, vacation days and paid sick leave. At one subscriber’s workplace, COVID-19 was a catalyst to shorten their workweek.

“Early on in the pandemic, the added professional and personal stress the whole team was going through compelled us to trial a four-day workweek. We haven’t looked back,” one subscriber wrote.