Microsoft’s Japan Office Just Tested Out This New Work Schedule & The Results Are Really Promising
Employees today are used to the five-day workweek, which entails them to work in an office all weekdays typically from nine to five. They then get a two-day break on Saturdays and Sundays to recharge and back to the rat race they go again. Not surprisingly, this routine led some people to feel weary of their desk jobs leading to decreased productivity and other issues.
Because of this, some people began advocating for shorter workweeks. Most wanted to cut down workdays to just four days instead of five. While some can only dream of a setup like this, Japanese workers actually got a taste of it.
One Less Work Day
Back in August of this year, Microsoft‘s office in Japan began giving their employees their Fridays off. This reportedly led to an impressive 40% increase in their productivity when compared to that of the previous year’s August. The trial only lasted a month with the workers getting a total of five extra days off with pay.
In the end, the workplace also observed other benefits due to the implementation of a four-day workweek. The Microsoft subsidiary reportedly saved on supplies like paper as employees printed 58.7% fewer pages during the trial. What more, they saw a significant decrease in electricity consumption as the building was closed for an extra five days than normal.
The Ideal Workweek
It’s not just the Japanese who have shown support for this idea. A study of three thousand workers from eight other countries shows the average individual’s ideal workweek is only four-days long or even less. It’s worth noting though that decreasing workdays to less than four may not be ideal for certain lines of work.
On the employees’ side working fewer days offers tons of positive effects. Having an extra day when they won’t have to work can give them much more free time to relax or see friends and loved ones. There are also other studies that the setup led to a decrease in stress levels for employees and led to them feeling happier and more engaged while at work.
A Win-Win Situation
But as the Microsoft example showed, the benefits of a four-day workweek doesn’t end with just worker satisfaction. In the end, implementing it can be a win-win situation for both workers and employers.
Not only will productivity increase, but other job seekers would also find the company a desirable place to work in. Some experts advise employers to test out the concept for a few months and see how the setup works for them and their employees.
More in Business
-
`
Streaming Giant Netflix Faces Yet Another Challenge
In the ever-evolving landscape of streaming entertainment, Netflix, once the unchallenged king of digital content, now faces a complex puzzle beyond...
December 1, 2023 -
`
Signs You Should Quit Your Current Job & Move On
You Don’t Feel Comfortable at Work Imagine spending the majority of your waking hours in a place where you feel uneasy,...
November 20, 2023 -
`
How to Adjust and Renew Your Portfolio
Investing in the financial world is like navigating an ever-changing landscape—constantly evolving, always shifting. The key to staying on track? Regularly...
November 18, 2023 -
`
Dr. Dre’s Divorce With Nicole Young: A Closer Look
When the beats of old-school hip-hop start bumping, Dr. Dre’s name reverberates in fans’ minds worldwide. Born as Andre Young, this...
November 12, 2023 -
`
Why Branded Content Is the Best Way to Connect With Your Audience
Have you ever found yourself deep in a compelling article or engrossed in a video series, only to later discover that...
November 5, 2023 -
`
Why the Gender Pay Gap Could Be Getting Worse | New Research Findings
At a time when women are making significant strides in various professional arenas, a new report throws light on a trend...
October 28, 2023 -
`
What Is a Bull Market and How Can Investors Benefit From One?
In finance, the term “bull market” is frequently used to describe a period of optimism, rising asset prices, and investor confidence....
October 19, 2023 -
`
A-List Power Couples Where the Women Make More Money
In an era of shifting gender roles and evolving definitions of success, it’s increasingly common to find celebrity couples where the...
October 15, 2023 -
`
Massive Price Cuts: Tesla Only Witnesses ‘Modest’ Sales Gain in China
Cutting Down Prices, But Not Cutting the Mustard? Summer 2023 brought with it a promise of sunshine and relaxation. For Tesla...
October 8, 2023
You must be logged in to post a comment Login