In the summer of 2019, I began to notice a shift in my work routine. Instead of feeling like I was constantly racing against the clock, I found that my workload had become more manageable. This change was largely due to my children growing older and, since I work from home, their distractions were less frequent. I also became better at organizing my tasks and focusing on one thing at a time.
One week, I decided to put in some extra hours to free up my Friday for a beach day with my kids. It was pure bliss! While lounging on the sandy shore, it struck me that as a self-employed individual, I could make this a weekly occurrence. The following Friday, we splashed around at a friend’s pool, and the next week, we indulged in back-to-school shopping and tasty treats at the mall.
Once my kids returned to school, I resolved to keep my Fridays open. This decision brought me a sense of calm and allowed me to embrace my true self. With a three-day weekend in sight, I found I could manage my workload over four days without feeling overwhelmed. I no longer stressed about fitting errands into my schedule because I knew Friday was my time to tackle them.
For those who aren’t self-employed, the concept of a four-day work week may seem out of reach. However, many organizations are exploring this model. The struggle for work-life balance is a common concern that impacts our mental and physical well-being. For instance, the Spanish government recently initiated a nationwide trial of a four-day work week, and companies like Microsoft Japan have reported significant increases in productivity after implementing this model.
In the U.S., Shake Shack is piloting a shorter work week for some of its supervisors, which has positively affected their lives and finances by reducing childcare costs. Employees at Wildbit, a tech company, have also found success with this arrangement, noting improved productivity and job satisfaction.
When we asked our audience about the four-day work week, many responded enthusiastically, eager for such a change. Jeff M., who currently enjoys a shorter work week, described it as a game-changer, allowing for better mental health. Likewise, Kelsea Z. and her husband, who run their own business, have seen their employees thrive with a four-day, 10-hour day schedule.
Of course, this shift would require many companies, especially in retail and service sectors, to rethink their staffing models. Nonetheless, it seems many people are ready for the change and wonder why it has taken so long to gain traction.
As for me, embracing a four-day work week has significantly improved my quality of life. I feel more rested and less stressed, and Fridays have become productive days rather than catch-up sessions. It’s made me a happier person and a better mom.
Are you in favor of a four-day work week, or do you prefer the traditional five-day work schedule?
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