The idea of a 4-day workweek is gaining a lot of attention these days. Big companies like Microsoft and Unilever have tried it and seen great results. Employees are happier, and in some cases, even more productive. But if you’re running a small business, you might wonder if this is something that can work for you. After all, small businesses have different challenges and might not have the resources that larger companies do.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of a 4-day workweek for small businesses and offer some practical tips on how to make it work if you decide to give it a try.
What Is a 4-Day Workweek?
First, let’s clarify what we mean by a 4-day workweek. In most cases, this doesn’t mean working fewer hours. Instead of working five 8-hour days, employees work four 10-hour days. The idea is that you’re still getting 40 hours of work in a week, but it’s spread out over fewer days. Some companies also try shorter workweeks with fewer hours, like 32 hours instead of 40, while keeping pay the same.
For small business owners, the key question is whether this shift can be done without hurting productivity or customer service. Let’s explore the potential benefits and challenges.
The Benefits of a 4-Day Workweek for Small Businesses
- Improved Employee Morale: One of the biggest advantages of a 4-day workweek is that it can boost employee happiness. Having an extra day off each week gives workers more time for rest, hobbies, and spending time with family. Happy employees are often more motivated and engaged, which could lead to better performance at work.
- Increased Productivity: It might seem strange, but studies have shown that employees can be just as productive (or even more productive) in a 4-day workweek. With a shorter workweek, employees may feel more focused because they know they have less time to get things done. They’re less likely to waste time and more likely to stay on task.
- Better Employee Retention: Small businesses often face challenges with employee turnover, and it can be hard to attract top talent when you can’t offer the same salary or benefits as big companies. A 4-day workweek could be an attractive perk for employees, helping you keep your best workers and even attract new ones.
- Cost Savings: For businesses with physical locations, a 4-day workweek could lead to savings on utilities and other operational costs. Fewer workdays might mean lower energy bills, reduced wear and tear on equipment, and even savings on things like cleaning services.
The Challenges of a 4-Day Workweek for Small Businesses
- Customer Expectations: One of the main concerns for small businesses is how a 4-day workweek could affect customer service. If your business operates in a service-based industry, you’ll need to ensure that your customers can still reach you, even if your staff isn’t working as many days. This might mean staggering employee schedules or offering limited support on the fifth day.
- Longer Workdays: In many cases, a 4-day workweek means working longer hours on the days employees are in the office, typically 10-hour days instead of 8-hour days. For some workers, especially those in physically demanding jobs, these longer hours could lead to fatigue or burnout. You’ll need to consider whether your employees can handle longer days without a drop in productivity or morale.
- Coverage Gaps: In a small business, every employee usually plays a key role. If you reduce the number of days employees are working, you might run into issues when it comes to coverage. For example, if a customer has an urgent issue on the day your team is off, who will handle it? You’ll need to think about how to keep operations running smoothly when some team members aren’t working.
- Trial and Error: Transitioning to a 4-day workweek might not be as simple as flipping a switch. It could take time to figure out what works best for your business. You may need to experiment with different schedules or make adjustments as you go. This requires flexibility and a willingness to try new things.
Tips for Small Businesses Considering a 4-Day Workweek
If you think a 4-day workweek might be right for your small business, here are a few tips to help you make the transition smoothly:
- Start with a Trial Period: You don’t have to commit to a permanent change right away. Instead, try a 4-day workweek for a few months as a test. During this time, keep track of how it affects productivity, employee satisfaction, and customer service. After the trial period, you can decide whether to make it permanent or tweak the plan.
- Stagger Schedules: One way to avoid coverage gaps is to stagger employee schedules. For example, some employees might have Mondays off, while others have Fridays off. This way, your business can still operate five days a week, even though employees are working four days. This approach can help you maintain customer service and ensure you have enough staff on hand.
- Communicate with Customers: If you decide to move to a 4-day workweek, it’s important to communicate clearly with your customers. Let them know if your hours of operation are changing, and reassure them that they’ll still get the service they expect. You might even find that customers are supportive of the change, especially if it leads to happier employees who provide better service.
- Be Flexible: Every business is different, so what works for one company might not work for another. Be open to adjusting the 4-day workweek model to fit the specific needs of your business. For example, you might decide to reduce hours gradually or offer employees the option to choose between a 4-day or 5-day workweek.
- Monitor Employee Well-Being: Keep an eye on how the change affects your employees. Are they enjoying the extra day off, or are the longer workdays taking a toll on their health and well-being? Regular check-ins and surveys can help you get feedback and make sure the 4-day workweek is working for everyone.
Is the 4-Day Workweek Right for Your Small Business?
A 4-day workweek can offer many benefits, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. For small businesses, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and think carefully about how the change will affect your team and your customers. With careful planning, a trial period, and open communication, you might find that a shorter workweek can help your business thrive.
In the end, the 4-day workweek is about more than just cutting hours, it’s about finding a better way to work. And for many small businesses, that could be a step toward happier employees, better productivity, and even a more sustainable future.