Let’s Talk About the “Compressed” 4-Day Workweek

The concept of a four-day-long workweek is one of the latest trends that businesses of all shapes and sizes are pondering. It has been touted to have significant benefits for both their operations and the employees who carry them out. However, is the “compressed” workweek the route your business should go?

Well, as is so often the answer, that depends. Let’s examine the concept of a compressed workweek and its application more closely.

Let’s begin by defining this kind of schedule and what it means to use it.

The Compressed Workweek: Same Hours, Fewer Days

The concept of a compressed workweek is relatively simple, although slightly different than the four-day strategy many might be more familiar with. Traditionally, the idea of a four-day workweek meant just that… it was the workweek we are so accustomed to now, with one fewer day, no changes made to benefits or compensation.

With the compressed workweek, however, the 40-hour model is honored. 

Following this approach, an employee would instead work four days, 10 hours each day—or, as another method dictates, nine hours each day for nine consecutive workdays with the second Friday off. Either way, the end result is more time available for team members to manage their lives and take care of other responsibilities.

The Pros and Cons of a Compressed Workweek

There are advantages and drawbacks to compressing a workweek. Many of the advantages line up with those you’d expect from the other approach to the four-day workweek… fewer hours with the same pay, a reduced commute, and more time for personal responsibilities. Furthermore, by potentially working outside of “typical” office hours, more effective and productive work is possible without interruptions. 

The drawbacks are more unique to the compressed strategy, and—while not impossible to overcome—need to be considered and prepared for if you are to be successful.

Obviously, not everyone will be able to add more hours to their workday without feeling burnt out, which could potentially be a detriment to one’s ability to work. Plus, the rest of the world still runs on its own schedule, so working longer hours could create more conflicts in one's personal agenda. Then there’s the fact that—depending on your role, responsibilities, industry, and endless other variables—your day off may not align with the rest of your team’s, so some coordination may be necessary to ensure everything is accomplished promptly and on time.

Challenges can always arise when scheduling meetings and other collaborative efforts, and the added challenge of one fewer day in the office can add another obstacle.

Ultimately, you will decide whether your business can operate under a compressed workweek schedule or not.

However You Work, We Can Help Keep You Working

Our managed technology services include support for any issues or challenges that may prevent your team from working whenever they happen to be doing so. From remote monitoring and management services to ensure everything is shipshape, to proactive remediation if something proves troublesome, JS Business Solutions can offer what you need to be successful.

Give us a call at (781) 715-1900 to get started.