4-day workweek makes employees happier, higher-performing: Study
In a remarkable study, researchers have discovered that a four-day workweek can lead to happier, healthier, and higher-performing employees. The six-month trial, which involved 2,896 employees at 141 companies in six countries, has provided valuable insights into the benefits of a reduced workweek.
The study, published in the journal Nature, found that employees who worked a four-day week reported higher job satisfaction, reduced stress, and improved mental health compared to those who worked a traditional five-day week. The findings suggest that a shorter workweek can have a significant impact on employee well-being and productivity.
To conduct the study, researchers from the University of Auckland in New Zealand and the University of Melbourne in Australia surveyed employees before and after the trial began. The employees were asked a range of questions, including “Does your work frustrate you?” and “How would you rate your mental health?” The results showed that employees who worked a four-day week reported a significant decrease in work-related frustration and an improvement in their mental health.
The study also found that employees who worked a four-day week were more likely to report feeling motivated and engaged at work, which is essential for high performance. In fact, the results showed that employees who worked a four-day week were more likely to report feeling “highly engaged” at work, which was not the case for those who worked a traditional five-day week.
The benefits of a four-day workweek are not limited to employee well-being. The study also found that the reduced workweek led to significant cost savings for employers, including reduced energy consumption, lower overhead costs, and increased productivity. In fact, the study found that employees who worked a four-day week were more productive and efficient, which allowed companies to achieve the same or even increased output with fewer working days.
The study’s findings are significant because they provide evidence that a four-day workweek can be a viable and effective solution for employers looking to improve employee well-being and productivity. In today’s fast-paced and competitive work environment, it is more important than ever for employers to prioritize employee well-being and job satisfaction.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Chris Wright, a professor at the University of Auckland, stated that the findings provide strong evidence that a four-day workweek can be beneficial for both employees and employers. “Our study shows that a four-day workweek can lead to significant improvements in employee well-being and productivity, while also providing cost savings for employers,” he said.
The study’s findings are also significant because they provide a model for other companies to follow. The six-month trial involved 141 companies in six countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Ireland. The trial was designed to test the feasibility and effectiveness of a four-day workweek in different industries and countries.
The study’s findings have important implications for employers and policymakers. As the global workforce continues to evolve, employers will need to adapt to changing employee needs and expectations. The study’s findings suggest that a four-day workweek can be a key component of a comprehensive approach to improving employee well-being and job satisfaction.
In conclusion, the study’s findings provide strong evidence that a four-day workweek can lead to happier, healthier, and higher-performing employees. The study’s results suggest that a reduced workweek can have a significant impact on employee well-being and productivity, while also providing cost savings for employers. As employers and policymakers look for ways to improve employee well-being and job satisfaction, the study’s findings provide a valuable model to follow.
