The impact of a 4 day work week on employees' sleep-related problems
In recent years, several organizations have experimented with a 4 day work week, aiming to improve work-life balance and overall employee well-being. One of the key benefits observed is the positive impact on employees' sleep patterns. This case study explores how a 4 day work week can help alleviate sleep-related problems among employees.
How the 4 day work week experiment was set up
Companies like PanzerGlass and Perpetual Guardian have implemented a 4 day work week, allowing employees to have an extra day off while still receiving the same salary. Their 4 day week was implemented using the 100:80:100™ model. This model is used by 4 Day Week Global’s pilot programs. The goal was to see if this change could lead to increased productivity and improved employee well-being.
What impact does the 4 day week have on sleep?
According to a study conducted by the University of South Australia, people gained an extra 21 minutes of sleep each day they were on holiday, which can have a range of positive effects on our physical and mental health. This suggests that a 4 day work week, which effectively gives employees a mini-holiday each week, could lead to similar benefits.
Case Studies from Companies who Switched to a 4 Day Work Week
In an interview with Shaun Rutland, CEO and co-founder of Hutch Games, he mentioned that the company is trialling a 4 day week because they believe it will increase productivity and creativity as the team is more rested. He observed that if their staff can live fuller, better lives, this will translate into better games. They are following the 100:80:100™ policy, which means that everyone will deliver 100% of the work, in 80% of the time, without any loss of pay. This implies that employees will have more time to rest and thus, potentially improve their sleep patterns.
Frances Guy, CEO at Scotland’s International Development Alliance, also shared her organization's experience with the 4 day work week. She mentioned that they are trialling a 4 day week in the hopes of achieving happier, healthier staff, better services provided to their members, and improved staff retention.
Both these instances provide some anecdotal evidence of the potential positive impact of a 4 day work week on employees' sleep. However, it's important to note that these are early days in these trials, and more concrete data will be needed to conclusively prove this benefit.
Research shows that the 4 day week helps reduce sleep difficulties
In a UK survey conducted in April 2023, it was found that employees who were part of the 4 day work week trial reported significant improvements in their sleep patterns. Specifically, they reported sleeping half an hour to an hour more per night. This suggests that the additional day off provided by the 4 day work week allowed employees to better manage their sleep schedules and get more rest. Additionally, 40% of the employees saw a reduction in sleep difficulties, further highlighting the potential benefits of a 4 day work week on sleep quality.
This survey is from a six-month trial coordinated by the non-profit organization 4 Day Week Global and think tank Autonomy, involving around 3,300 employees across 70 small businesses in the UK.
The 4 day week and work-life balance
Perpetual Guardian, a firm in New Zealand, reported a 24% improvement in work-life balance among its employees after implementing a 4 day work week. This improved balance could potentially reduce stress and anxiety, which are common causes of sleep-related problems.
Interestingly, despite working fewer hours, employees at these companies were able to maintain or even increase their productivity. This suggests that the extra rest obtained from the additional day off could lead to more efficient work during the remaining four days.
The 4 day work week has a positive impact on sleep-related problems
While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of a 4 day work week, initial findings suggest that it could be a viable strategy for improving employees' sleep-related problems. By providing employees with more time to rest and recharge, companies could potentially enhance productivity and improve overall employee well-being.
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.
