The traditional 9-to-5 office grind has undergone a transformation, giving rise to innovative work arrangements that prioritise flexibility and work-life balance. Two new trends are becoming increasingly popular - working from home and a 4-day week. Even though they look like different ideas, they fit together.
In this blog post, we delve into these trends and discuss how blending work from home and a 4-day week can become a powerful tool.
The rise of remote work: freedom and flexibility
Working from home, once seen as a special perk, has now become the norm. The COVID-19 pandemic made this happen faster, showing that people can still do their jobs well from their homes. The benefits of working from home are not just about avoiding travel to work. They include:
Better work-life balance: Working from home lets people mix their work and personal life better. Without having to travel to work, they get more time for hobbies, family, and looking after themselves.
More hiring options: Companies are not stuck with only hiring people who live close by. This means they can hire skilled workers from anywhere in the world.
Higher productivity: Many workers find they get more done when working from home. A Boston Consulting Group study found that productivity can be maintained or even improved in a 'work from anywhere' setup as long as companies provide digital tools, prioritise mental health, and clarify goals while granting autonomy in how work gets done.
Less stress: Not having to travel to work means less stress, which helps make the workplace a happier place.
A 4-day work week: better productivity and enjoyment at work
A four-day working week might seem like a dream, but many businesses have made it happen and seen brilliant success, including in New Zealand with Perpetual Guardian, which has been a game changer. This shorter schedule has some major benefits:
Productivity improvements: When people know they have one less day to get their work done, they often focus better during a four-day work week. This extra focus can mean they get more done. Recent research from 4dayweekglobal on 41 companies in Canada and US has shown a big improvement in self-reported productivity, with a 57% increase in workers’ current work ability compared to their lifetime best. This result is consistent with a study on the Perpetual Guardian experiment, where there was a 20% increase in productivity.
Job satisfaction: Working fewer days each week can really boost how much people enjoy their job. Having an extra day for themselves means employees are more engaged when they are at work.
Employee retention: If you give your employees a four-day work week, it shows you care about their well-being and that you understand the need for a good work-life balance. This can make them feel loyal to the company and want to stick around.
Attracting the best people: A four-day work week is a big draw card that can set your company apart from others. It's a unique benefit that can attract top professionals wanting a work and personal life balance. In a study conducted by the Henley Business School in the UK, 68% of businesses that are already offering a four-day work week say that flexible working options help them attract the right talent.
How remote work and a 4-day work week are complimentary
When combined, remote work and a 4-day work week can create a powerful duo:
Flexibility: Working from home lets employees set up their workspace how they like it, and working only four days gives them more time for their own activities. This balance of work and fun is really appealing to those looking for jobs.
Reduced burnout: Working from home means no commute stress, and having an extra day off each week helps prevent getting too tired or burned out. This can help workers feel more energised and ready to go.
Attracting global talent: By offering both remote work and a 4-day week, companies can attract people from all over the world who might be working in different time zones.
Keeping employees happy: The synergy of these concepts creates an attractive package that retains employees. Individuals are more likely to stay with a company that values their well-being and offers a flexible work arrangement.
Blending work from home with a 4-day work week
Here are some important points to consider when combining the two:
Clear communication: Make sure everyone knows what's going on and can work well together. You can use video calls, instant messaging, or project management tools.
Setting boundaries: It's easy for work and personal time to blend into one when working from home. Help your staff set clear boundaries. This could mean setting specific work hours or finding a dedicated workspace at home.
Handling distractions: There are more things that can distract your staff at home than in an office. Help them find ways to manage these distractions so they can focus on their work.
Supporting your team: As an employer, it's important to support your staff who are doing a 4-day week. You could offer flexible hours or train them in setting boundaries and managing distractions.
By remembering these points, you can successfully bring together a 4-day week and work from home. This has lots of benefits for your business and your staff, like better productivity, happier workers, and cost savings.
Final thoughts
Remote work and the 4-day work week, when strategically combined, form a compelling employer branding proposition. Embracing this powerful duo not only makes a company more attractive to potential hires but also potentially fosters a loyal and engaged workforce prepared to take your organisation to new heights.
Комментарии