How does the 4 day work week help my mental health?
The 4 day work week could be the most powerful workplace well-being tool around
Our research team who survey participants at the start and end of the 4 day work week trials measure many mental health benefits. We have been measuring the following reported metrics: workplace-related stress and burnout, fatigue and sleep-related problems, anxiety, and work-life balance.
How the 4 day work week can improve employees’ mental well-being
The 4 day week is, without a doubt, a powerful opportunity to improve the health and well-being of your employees. Have a look at this data reported by 4 day week pilot program participants:
Two thirds of employees reported less burnout
33% reported decrease in work-related stress
33% reported decrease in anxiety
38% increase in mental health
Two thirds experienced an increase in frequency of positive emotions
Over half experienced a decrease in frequency of negative emotions
Participants also regularly report an increase in both the frequency they exercise as well as the time they spend exercising. Sleep deprivation drops, fatigue and insomnia rates fall and sleep problems decrease.
How do I ensure that my 4 day work week trial also benefits my employees’ mental health?
A recent study by the University of Oxford has shown that organizational interventions have the biggest impact on an employees’ mental well-being, and that individual-based interventions basically don’t work at all.
Individual interventions are things like stress-management classes, subscriptions to meditation apps, stipends for yoga classes etc. Organizational interventions such as “flexibility of scheduling, management practices, staff resources, performance review, or job design” are what really impacts an employees’ mental health.
A 4 day work week is an example of an organizational intervention, in that, the organization itself must change first so that it impacts the employees. The clue for success is in statement.
How can I support my employees’ mental health?
If you want to truly impact your employees’ mental well-being and health it must start with how the organization is structured and what the culture is. Our 4 day work week model promises full pay for 80% of the time on the agreement that the employees still deliver the same results.
You have to make the time and space for them to be able to achieve this. You have to cut away the noise. Redesign meetings, streamline processes, realign on roles and scope. Above all else - arm your employees for success. Bring them on the journey in redesigning how they want their workplace to work. It needs to work for them after all.
If you are looking for support in trialing a 4 day work week, we have the expertise and resources to help you. We can find a solution which best suits your organization’s needs.
How can I contribute to the 4 day week movement?
So, how can we ensure the 4 day work week becomes routine over radical? We’re a non-profit organization looking to bring the 4 day week to as many people across the globe as possible. Our goal is to create a million years of new free time through 4 day week trials and transitions.
Would you like to sponsor us on this journey? Donate as little as $2 per month to become a part of this movement for a 4 Day World.
How can I improve my business with a 4 day week?
We offer support for businesses looking to make the shift to reduced-hour working in several ways:
1. Our Foundation Course
Our Foundation Course is designed for business leaders, consultants and entrepreneurs looking to understand how to implement a 4 day week in their organization, or to support the implementation of one in another organization.
We teach you through six video lecture modules, using the 100-80-100™ model.
2. Our Pilot Programs
We run 4 day week pilots using the 100-80-100™ principle across the globe. You can trial a 4 day week alongside other organizations in your geography. There are many pilots happening in various countries across the world.
Sign up here to register your interest in being a part of one of our pilots and we will let you know when the pilot in your country is kicking off! Alternatively, we have two global pilots happening in 2024, in March and September.
3. One-on-One Consulting
This is for larger organizations who want bespoke one-on-one support throughout the 4 day week planning and implementation process. We will provide you with world-leading experts in reducing working hours to help you on this journey.
