The Benefits of Implementing a 4.5-Day Workweek

A Step Towards a Four-Day Workweek

Basis Technologies, an advertising software company, has taken a step towards implementing a four-day workweek by adopting a 4.5-day work schedule. Starting in 2024, the company has made Fridays a half-day, allowing employees to have a mental break at the end of the week. While the company aims to provide flexibility to its employees, work must still be completed if there are tasks that need attention.

Improved Work-Life Balance and Commitment

The decision by Basis Technologies to introduce a 4.5-day workweek offers an alternative for companies interested in shorter workweeks but not yet ready to commit to a four-day work schedule. Advocates of a four-day workweek argue that it leads to better work-life balance and increased commitment from employees. By providing more time for rest and personal activities, employees can return to work feeling refreshed and motivated.

Finding the Right Balance

While a shorter workweek may be appealing to employees, employers may have concerns about meeting client expectations and maintaining productivity. At Basis Technologies, employees are still expected to respond to urgent matters that may arise on Friday afternoons. If employees have plans that prevent them from being available, they are required to take a half-day vacation and find someone to cover for them. The company emphasizes the importance of completing necessary work while also having conversations about what can wait until Monday. To help employees prepare for the following week, internal meetings are not scheduled on Fridays, allowing employees to catch up on tasks and mentally transition into the weekend.

Experimenting with Workweek Options

Basis Technologies has been experimenting with different workweek options over the past few years. They have tried implementing a four-day workweek as well as half days on Fridays. However, having a full day off on Fridays proved challenging for a services and sales organization that needs to remain accessible to clients and vendors. Therefore, adopting a 4.5-day workweek with a half-day on Fridays was deemed more feasible. This approach allows employees to still connect with their teams and supervisors while enjoying a longer weekend.

A Long-Term Plan

Basis Technologies has communicated to its employees that they can expect to have half-day Fridays throughout 2024, as long as it does not negatively impact the business. However, the company has not completely ruled out the possibility of transitioning to a four-day workweek in the future. If more companies adopt this schedule, it may become a more viable option for Basis Technologies.

In conclusion, implementing a 4.5-day workweek offers employees the benefits of improved work-life balance and increased commitment. While challenges may arise in meeting client expectations, it is possible to strike a balance between employee well-being and business needs. As more companies explore alternative workweek options, the possibility of a four-day workweek may become a reality for many organizations, including Basis Technologies.—————————————————————————————————————————————
By: tparadis@businessinsider.com (Tim Paradis)
Title: The Benefits of Implementing a 4.5-Day Workweek
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/4-day-workweek-us-half-day-fridays-pros-and-cons-2024-1
Published Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2024 10:27:01 +0000