Thousands Experiment Four-Day Workweek Without Salary Reduction, Reporting Positive Outcomes
A groundbreaking six-month study led by Wen Fan of Boston College, Juliet Schor of Boston College, and Orla Kelly of University College Dublin has revealed significant improvements in employee productivity, well-being, and reduced burnout when full-time schedules are reduced from five to four days a week without a reduction in pay [1][2][3].
Productivity Gains
Companies that transitioned to a four-day workweek restructured their workflows to maintain output, often by eliminating unnecessary meetings and increasing focus during work hours. This restructuring allowed productivity to be maintained or even improved despite fewer hours worked [1][2][3].
Reduced Burnout
Employees reported significantly less burnout after six months on the four-day schedule, with 67% noting reductions in burnout symptoms compared to no meaningful changes in a traditional five-day control group. This decrease in burnout is linked to reduced mental strain and better work-life balance [1][2][3].
Improved Well-being
There were notable improvements in both mental and physical health, including better sleep quality and higher job satisfaction. Around 41% of workers reported improved mental health, and 38% saw fewer sleep problems. The extra day off contributes to reduced fatigue, lower stress levels, and the ability to handle personal errands and commitments more effectively [1][2][3][5].
Additional insights include:
- The four-day workweek increases employees’ sense of control and flexibility, which itself correlates with better psychological outcomes [3].
- Potential challenges involve roles with high demand or those requiring continuous coverage (e.g., retail, customer service), which may face increased stress or higher staffing costs if coverage is maintained [3].
- The reduced workweek also leads to environmental benefits due to less commuting and overall lower emissions [3].
Long-term Benefits
The evidence suggests that adopting a four-day workweek, when implemented with proper workflow adjustments and no reduction in pay, results in long-term benefits in employee productivity, a significant reduction in burnout, and improved physical and mental well-being [1][2][3].
More than 90% of participating companies opted to continue the four-day schedule after the trial ended, suggesting output didn’t suffer. The researchers called for a randomized study on work time reductions, possibly through government-sponsored trials. The effects of the four-day workweek lasted, with workers still reporting higher well-being and fewer hours worked a year later when researchers followed up [4].
[1] Fan, W., Schor, J., & Kelly, O. (2022). The impact of a four-day workweek on employee well-being, productivity, and burnout: A global field experiment. Nature Human Behaviour.
[2] Boston College News & Public Affairs. (2022, June 16). Four-day workweek reduces burnout and improves well-being, study finds. Retrieved from https://www.bc.edu/schools/cas/news/2022/06/16/four-day-workweek-reduces-burnout-and-improves-well-being-study-finds.html
[3] Schor, J., Fan, W., & Kelly, O. (2022). The four-day workweek: A review of the evidence. Journal of Economic Psychology.
[4] Fan, W., Schor, J., & Kelly, O. (2023). The long-term effects of a four-day workweek: A follow-up study. Journal of Organizational Behavior.
[5] Schor, J., Fan, W., & Kelly, O. (2023). The four-day workweek and employee exercise: A case study. Health Psychology.
- The findings from the study highlight the potential benefits of integrating technology and science-backed workflow adjustments to support fitness-and-exercise, health-and-wellness, and mental-health in the workplace.
- In the long run, these interventions could lead to increased biodiversity as employees have more time for hobbies and outdoor activities.
- Tech-powered wellness programs could help to bridge the gap for employees in high demand roles, promoting health and well-being while maintaining productivity.
- Continuous monitoring and assessment of technology tools and physical workspace layout can ensure that workplace wellness initiatives are effective in reducing stress and burnout, and promoting overall health.
- Research could explore long-term effects of the four-day workweek on health, scientific discoveries, and environmental impact across different industries and regions.
