Tricerat made the shift to a four-day workweek for staff beginning in October 2021. After one year of implementation, we wanted to reflect on the four-day workweek, how the shift has gone, and if it has helped to boost employee wellbeing.
The five-day workweek is the default for many businesses around the world, but more companies are experimenting with a shortened workweek for employees. Over 70 companies throughout Britain are undergoing a six-month test where their employees receive one paid day off every week. Almost all of the companies involved have reported no loss in productivity with many seeing an improvement in productivity. 86% of the companies in the experiment plan to continue the four-day workweek after the test ends. United States based companies such as Basecamp and Shake Shack have also tried out a shortened workweek with their employees in recent years. Based on early data it seems that the four-day workweek is indeed picking up steam and gaining popularity.
Making the switch from five-day work schedules to the four-day workweek sounds great in theory but how does a business actually go about implementing it? Tricerat operates five days a week (Monday through Friday) but allows all staff members to work just four days each week. Staff members and teams coordinate with their managers so that enough staff are available to meet all deliverables and customer needs. Every department has at least one person available each day to ensure operations run smoothly. After one year of the four-day workweek being implemented it is safe to say that it has been extremely popular amongst the Tricerat staff as well as the management team.
Hannah Shuman (COO) - “Always on remote work culture is causing burnout in our society. 43% of workers from the Great Resignation reported that they resigned due to a lack of work-life balance. Since Tricerat’s transition to a four-day workweek, our employees have reported back with lower stress levels, lower burnout, and an increase in overall job satisfaction without a reduction in productivity.”
Andrew Parlette (CTO) - "The four-day workweek has provided us with a great amount of flexibility as an organization. It pairs very well with a hybrid work model, enabling our teams to work in the most productive manner and also giving back some personal time for a healthy work balance. From a management perspective, working in the four-day model provides personal benefit while also knowing that the team is empowered to work towards the goals of our department and company."
Paul David (VP of Technical Support) - "The four-day workweek is absolutely my favorite of all the many benefits of working for Tricerat. I can enjoy the weekend with my family, knowing I have an additional day to address the "honey-do" list. John, our CEO, has always been a forward-thinking owner and absolutely nailed it on this one. He recognized trends in the industry and immediately embraced them - and our staff is greatly appreciative. When scheduled properly, it allows us to maintain a great work/life balance for our Tricerat Technical Support employees, while taking care of our global customers and maintaining a record breaking NPS industry score."
John Byrne (CEO) - "A four-day workweek has been gaining traction in recent years as a way to improve productivity. Proponents of the shorter workweek argue that it leads to less burnout, since employees are given more time to relax and rejuvenate. They also claim that it can lead to increased creativity and innovation, as employees have more time for idea generation outside of work hours. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to work weeks, the case for the four-day workweek is certainly compelling!
There are a few key reasons why a four-day workweek can lead to increased productivity. First, employees are less likely to experience burnout when they have more time to relax and recharge outside of work. This means that they’ll be coming back to work refreshed and ready to give their all. Second, a four-day workweek gives employees more time to focus on their work, as they don’t have to juggle it with other commitments like childcare or caring for elderly relatives. This can lead to improved concentration and fewer distractions.
A four-day workweek won’t be right for every business or every employee. But if you’re struggling with productivity, it’s definitely worth considering. You may find that a shorter workweek is just what you need to boost your business.
Of course, there are the peripheral benefits of a four-day workweek. Employees will have more time to pursue their hobbies and interests, which can lead to a greater sense of fulfillment. They’ll also be able to spend more time with family and friends, which can help reduce stress levels. All of this can add up to improved mental and physical health, which in turn can lead to increased productivity at work."
Tricerat employees have readily embraced the four-day workweek along with the management team and are enjoying the benefits of an improved work life balance. To learn more about the experience so far, read our blog filled with quotes from our staff about the shortened workweek today!
