WHAT! 4 Days Work Weeks? 23 Companies You Must Apply For Job Now

Imagine having an extra day off every week to spend time with family, pursue hobbies, or just relax. Sounds great, right? The idea of a 4 day work week, where employees work for 4 days instead of the usual five, has become a hot topic lately. This alternative schedule has been studied extensively, from small startups to big companies and even on a national scale in some countries. What researchers have found is overwhelmingly positive. Productivity goes up, employees feel better, and companies perform better overall. This idea has been tested by many companies, big and small, and even in some countries. The results? Amazing! People work better, feel happier, and companies do really well.

In this guide, we’ll break down the concept of the 4 day work week and why it works so well. We’ll also provide you with a list of companies with 4 day work weeks.

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What Is A 4 Day Work Week? 

A 4 day work week involves employees working 4 days instead of five, while maintaining their usual pay. Despite initial concerns, studies indicate that employees not only sustain productivity but also experience greater job satisfaction. Surprisingly, research shows that working fewer days doesn’t hurt productivity. In fact, it often improves it! For example, in the UK’s largest 4-day work week trial, 61 companies participated, and 92% decided to stick with the shorter schedule after the trial ended. Employees were happier, took fewer sick days, and companies earned more money. Therefore, for businesses seeking happier and more efficient workers, adopting a 4 day work week could be a beneficial option.

A 4-day work week means employees work four days instead of five while keeping their full salary. There are two common ways to do this:

1. 40 Hours in 4 Days: Employees work longer hours each day, such as 10 hours instead of 8.
2. 32 Hours in 4 Days: Employees work fewer hours overall, but their pay stays the same.

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Why Is Everyone Talking About It?

Here are some reasons why the 4-day work week is becoming so popular:

• Better Health: People feel less stressed and sleep better.
• More Family Time: Parents have more time to help with homework or go on family trips.
• Happier Employees: Workers feel valued and are less likely to quit their jobs.

Let’s use an example:
Imagine a student who goes to school four days instead of five but learns just as much because classes are better planned. Now, they have an extra day to play sports, draw, or spend time with friends. That’s how adults feel when they get an extra day off work!

Top Companies With 4 Day Work Weeks

Here is the list of companies with 4 day work weeks, highlighting organizations that have prioritized employee well-being and productivity through innovative work scheduling:

Microsoft Japan

Microsoft tested a 4-day work week and saw productivity jump by 40%.

Unilever (New Zealand)

Unilever tried it for a year and reported better teamwork and lower stress.

Bolt

This fintech startup made the 4 day work week permanent after a successful trial period, reporting improvements in team morale, productivity, and recruitment. Managers noted that their teams maintained productivity levels while working 20 percent less.

Primary.com

The online children’s clothing retailer schedules its 4 day work week into nine-hour shifts, allowing employees some flexibility. While work occasionally spills over to Fridays, the team appreciates the freedom to work at their own pace.

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Panasonic North America

The multinational electronics giant from Japan introduced a 4 day work week option in response to new government guidelines promoting work-life balance. Employees gained more flexibility, including the ability to work from home and decline job transfers.

Buffer

The software company introduced a 4 day work week pilot program during the pandemic to support employee well-being. After two years, the majority of employees reported increased happiness and productivity.

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Awin

The affiliate marketing platform saw positive results after implementing a 4 day work week following an 18-month trial. They experienced increased profits and improved employee satisfaction and retention.

The Wanderlust Group

This outdoor-focused tech company adopted a 4 day work week with Mondays off during the pandemic, seeing significant growth in revenue and user engagement. Employees appreciated the extra day off, which helped them cope during challenging times.

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Emtrain

The workplace culture platform transitioned to a 4 day work week without cutting salaries or benefits after a successful trial run. This change led to improvements in key performance indicators and boosted employee happiness and engagement.

bit.io

The tech startup shifted to a 4 day work week without reducing pay in 2019. Despite working fewer hours, the team remained just as productive and enjoyed more time for personal pursuits.

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Basecamp

This project-management software company adopts a seasonal 4 day work week from May through August. This approach emphasizes prioritization and smarter work practices during the busy summer months.

D’Youville University

This private institution in Buffalo, New York, switched to a 4 day, 32-hour work week to address staff burnout. After a successful trial period, the new schedule was adopted permanently, maintaining pay and benefits for all employees.

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Elephant Ventures

In response to burnout concerns and to promote work-life balance, the tech-focused venture capital firm shifted to a 4 day work week. Employees now work four 10-hour days, and the company has transitioned to fully remote work permanently, a measure initiated during the pandemic.

G2i

Operating on a 32-hour, 4 day work week model, the hiring platform prioritizes employee well-being. This approach allows flexibility unless live client projects demand additional hours. G2i further supports its employees’ health through initiatives like the Developer Health Fund while advocating for widespread adoption of the 4 day work week.

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Fifth Tribe

Introducing its unique take on the 4 day work week, the digital agency implemented the nine-day work bi-week. This model splits the team into two groups, with each group enjoying alternate Fridays off. This approach has not only reduced stress but also streamlined processes and encouraged knowledge sharing among team members.

Justuno

Transitioning to a company-wide 4 day work week in January 2022, the conversion marketing software company aimed to combat pandemic-related burnout. Despite the reduced schedule, continuous client support is ensured through a split schedule for the support team, covering Monday through Friday.

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Kickstarter

Following a successful trial period, the public benefit corporation embraced a 32-hour, 4 day work week. This shift has led to improved employee well-being and productivity, allowing employees to return to work feeling refreshed.

DNSFilter

The cybersecurity company has adopted an alternating 4 day work week, allowing employees to switch between a 32-hour work week and a standard 40-hour week. This arrangement ensures uninterrupted five-day coverage while providing employees with two three-day weekends each month.

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The Financial Diet

The women-centric social media management company has embraced a permanent 32-hour, 4 day work week. Despite the reduced hours, the company has reported sustained revenue and increased engagement metrics. Employees appreciate the improved workload management and better work-life balance.

Knowledge Futures Group

Adopting a 4 day work week following a successful trial in July 2021, this tech nonprofit prioritizes employee well-being. Employees work eight hours per day, with the extra time for personal obligations and self-care resulting in increased productivity and higher-quality hiring.

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MNML

The design firm implemented a seasonal 4 day work week during the summer months for its 20-person team. This shift aimed to accommodate Chicago’s weather and fluctuations in workload. Despite the reduced hours, the team maintained its focus and attention to detail, delivering high-quality work consistently.

Monograph

Since its inception in 2016, this software company providing management tools for architects and engineers has embraced a 4 day work week. Employees have the flexibility to choose their day off, whether for an extended weekend or a midweek break. This condensed schedule promotes personal growth and enhances overall productivity.

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Nectafy

The growth-content agency transitioned to a 32-hour, 4 day work week with a three-day weekend. Initially implementing half-day Fridays, the decision to further reduce hours in 2020 was based on extensive discussions. Over time, the company observed positive outcomes such as improved retention and enhanced team cohesion.

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Praytell

Following a successful three-month pilot in 2021, the creative communications agency officially adopted a 4 day work week. This change did not compromise work quality or meeting deadlines. Both employees and clients appreciated the additional day off, signaling a positive response to the new schedule.

thredUP

After trialing a 4 day work week for its corporate staff in 2021, the online clothing consignment exchange made the change permanent. Flexible scheduling options were also introduced for hourly workers, allowing them to tailor their hours to suit their needs. This decision reflects a commitment to employee well-being and satisfaction.

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Is It Right for Every Company?

Not all jobs can easily switch to a 4-day work week. For example, hospitals and emergency services need to be available all the time. However, even these workplaces can try rotating schedules to give employees some flexibility.

A great example is DNSFilter, a cybersecurity company. They alternate between 4-day and 5-day work weeks, giving employees two long weekends every month.

Fun fact- Iceland’s Big Experiment

In Iceland, between 2015 and 2019, 2,500 workers across different industries tried a 4-day work week. The results were so good that now 86% of Iceland’s workforce works shorter hours or has flexible schedules.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the shift to a 4 day work week has proven beneficial for many companies, boosting employee happiness and productivity. With more time for personal activities and relaxation, employees have felt more satisfied and engaged at work, leading to better team dynamics and lower turnover rates. As companies with 4 day work weeks continue to prioritize their employee well-being, it’s clear that alternative work schedules are becoming an essential part of the modern workplace.

If you’re looking to improve your hiring process, consider using BarRaiser’s AI interview platform. It simplifies candidate assessments, making it easier to find the right fit for your team. With user-friendly features and advanced technology, BarRaiser streamlines the recruitment process, helping you build a talented and cohesive workforce effortlessly.

FAQs

What is a 4-day work week?

The 4-day work week model involves employees working four days instead of five. This can be implemented by extending daily hours to maintain a 40-hour workweek, such as working 10 hours each day, or by reducing the total workweek to 32 hours with shorter daily shifts. It aims to enhance work-life balance and boost productivity.

Does a 4-day work week mean 40 hours?

A 4-day work week can still involve 40 hours if employees work longer hours each day, such as 10-hour shifts. Alternatively, some models reduce the total workweek to 32 hours, with shorter daily shifts. The arrangement varies depending on company policy.

Which day is off in a 4-day work week?

The day off in a 4-day work week depends on the company’s policy. It could be Monday, Friday, or another day, such as Wednesday, based on operational needs and employee preferences.