You all love a three-day weekend, those bank holidays are always cause for excitement. So what would you think if the place where you work scrapped the five-day workweek for a 4-day work week? We bet it would make most of you quite happy.

The five-day week was born in an era when factory work was the norm. You would get up Monday through Friday, go to work and then go home again. That was all there was to it.

But now there is the argument that we don’t need a five day week, a four-day week is plenty of time to get everything done. For example, advancements in technology allow us to get a lot of things done faster and more efficiently than even 15 or 20 years ago.

For example, technology means we no longer have to deal with long-winded and cumbersome spreadsheets and shuffling paperwork is a thing of the past. The evolution of technology and the increase in office jobs means that more hours doesn’t always mean more productivity. In fact, just the opposite is true sometimes.

A global shift to a four-day week could mean more personal time for the average worker, which could lead to a better work/life balance. Plus, everybody would love to enjoy a three-day weekend every week.

A traditional five-day week means working five days a week and clocking 40 or more hours a week. If you do the math, this means we spend more waking hours at work than we do at home enjoying ourselves.

There have been several studies on the matter, but most have drawn the same conclusions. A four-day week results in higher employee satisfaction and happiness, higher productivity and reduced stress levels.

Obutto, your source for ergonomic workstations, offers the benefits of a four-day week.

Reduced Costs

A four-day week can cut costs for employees and employers. If your office is closed an extra day a week, there would be significant savings in everything from utilities to cleaning and maintenance.

A four-day week would save you money as well. You would save gas with less commuting and you would save on other expenses like buying lunch and coffee.

Fewer Health Issues

Studies have shown that companies who have implemented four-day weeks see fewer health issues with their employees. This could be for many reasons, but having three days every week to stay at home and unwind and recover tends to keep you healthy.

Having a long weekend gives you the time you desire to do the things you want and hang out with people you like, which goes a long way in making you feel great and enjoying improved well-being.

Increased Productivity

The general theory behind a four-day week is that employees are happier and more focused on their jobs, which means they are more productive.

Well, there are several studies that show this to be true. A firm in New Zealand tried out a four-day week and discovered employees could more effectively balance their work and home life and productivity actually went up.

Employee Satisfaction

Even if a company switches to a four-day week but employees keep the same amount of hours, they still reported being more satisfied with their jobs. They were also less likely to seek other employment.

Environmental Benefits

Having a four-day week means fewer cars on the streets and fewer fuel emissions spilling into the air. A study in Utah found a 13 percent reduction in energy use with companies who have adopted a four-day schedule.

The one drawback to a four-day week is that this will mean one less day a week you get to sit at your ergonomic workstation from Obutto. Visit our website today.