03/13/2022
Last month we started an internal perk called “Free Friday” where each team member takes turns receiving one Friday off per month! 👏🏼
It’s no secret that burnout is a common issue our country’s entire workforce faces, which has only been compounded during the pandemic. Working within social media also has its own unique struggles and challenges, the idea of needing to be “on” 24/7 is a big one our team is constantly balancing.
As I researched ways to combat burnout, the 4 day work week came up frequently in articles and podcasts. Given we’re a pretty small team and our client’s success is always our #1 priority, it didn’t seem feasible to implement a complete 4 day work week, but I feel confident that our modified version will be a win-win.
I’d like to share some of the 4 day work week stats from real world implementation that have me excited at the positive impact our “Free Friday” program could bring…
🤗 Henley Business School reports that companies that adopted a four-day week found that over three quarters of staff (78%) were happier, less stressed (70%) and took fewer days off ill (62%). Additionally, 40% of employees say they would use the time to up-skill or develop professional skills. A quarter said they would use their fifth day to volunteer.
🤗 A New Zealand trust management company shifted to a 4-day work week and saw a 27%: decrease in work stress levels, a 20% increase in productivity and a 45% increase in employee work-life balance.
🤗 When Treehouse shifted to a four day work week, their employees saw a 50% increase in family/hobby time.
🤗 Microsoft Japan saw a 40% boost to productivity after implementing a four day work week in 2019.
Personally, I spent my last Free Friday doing one of my favorite hikes with some of my favorite people! ⛰
Not even bluffing when I say the following Monday felt a little more in flow across the board!
