September 28, 2021
Editorial
Harvard Business Review (website)

A Guide to Implementing the 4-Day Workweek

By: A.V. Whillans and Charlotte Lockhart

Format:Electronic

Abstract

As organizations continue to explore a variety of flexible work options, one promising avenue is the four-day workweek: The standard 40 hours per week is reduced to 32 hours, with the same pay and the same productivity expectations. Research suggests reducing hours can benefit both employees and employers, but it can be difficult to go from the idea to a successful implementation. In this piece, the authors—a researcher who studies time, money, and happiness and the CEO of a global nonprofit focused on the future of work—outline a six-step guide to help leaders plan, pilot, and roll out a four-day workweek. While no change comes easily, the authors argue that companies willing to embrace models like the four-day workweek will find the experimentation well worth the effort.