Work time reduction benefits employees and employers. Though there are pros and cons to consider, a shorter workweek has merit. Most employees would love to work less and earn more. There are also bosses who would save on company expenses if the workplace was intentionally shut down for a day. Let’s look at some of the benefits both parties would have to look forward to on a reduced workweek schedule.
We’ve already found that flexible working hours contributes to work-life balance. Shorter hours are linked to increased levels of workplace efficiency and greater employee autonomy. The shift here is based on the fact that less hours within which to complete a task gives the employee more focus and willingness to get it done. With a focus on delivery instead of time allocated, she now has the freedom to plot the best possible route to success.
This concept of output over time is core to the four-day workweek phenomenon currently sweeping the globe. Employers are slowly waking up to the fact that the focus must shift to deliverables instead of the hours allocated. This traditional model is also loaded with cons based on the old way of working. Incompetent managers, micromanagement, broken processes and so many other factors that hinder the employee’s ability to do great work. Clarity of thought is one fundamental benefit of work time reduction, that offers employers a refreshed workforce better equipped to deliver on company objectives.
Work time reduction is more than the belief that you can earn more by working less. Proper procedures must of course be put in place to achieve this. A flexible working structure does however offer more benefits than those listed above and must be considered going forward. In fact, it may be so integral to a company’s wellbeing that those who choose not to pursue a reduced workweek, may be forced to close due to a skilled workforce opting to work for those companies and employers who do.
4 Day Week SA, INFJ, dear INFJ, 4 Day Workweek, 4 Day Week, Future Of Work, Entrepreneurship, Lead With Empathy, South Africa’s Digital Revolution, Work Time Reduction, Reduced Workweek Revolution, Wellbeing In The Workplace, Proudly South African
David-John Wayne Bailey is an INFJ from Cape Town, a proud pioneer pilot participant of 4 Day Week SA and an advocate of a four-day week for everyone working in South Africa.