NEWSWEEK – A four-day workweek with no reduction in pay improves both workers’ health and overall job performance and satisfaction, according to a new study.
Working norms were reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago, making remote work a necessity for some amid lockdowns.
But it also exposed widespread burnout and disengagement among workers across most markets.
In response, some companies began offering reduced hours with full pay.
Initiatives like ‘4 Day Week Global’ are aimed at reshaping post pandemic work to meet employees’ needs without compromising their companies’ interests.
The study—led by Boston College researchers Wen Fan and Juliet Schor—tracked 2,896 employees across 141 organizations worldwide over a six months period, to understand the effects of the new scheme on their physical and mental health.
The team found that workers whose days were cut by eight hours or more reported the most substantial improvements—which came in the form of reduced mental strain and improved physical health. Smaller reductions also had positive effects.
The trial included subjects in the United States, as well as Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom …
