Four-day weeks, hybrid working changing business world

July 27, 2023 51

As business owners look to keep pace with the ever-changing landscape, it is clear there are now two items they must put on the agenda. Hybrid working and four-day weeks.

Responsible business owners will already be keeping an eye on issues like the emerging threats for 2024. However, any business wanting to stay ahead of the competition must open their eyes to the benefits of hybrid working and shorter weeks. Otherwise, they will run the risk of being left behind.

Hybrid working: the key to happiness in a business environment

Recent studies have shown that hybrid workers are the happiest on Earth. While many people were forced into this way of working, its benefits have become clear. In truth, returning to the office after the pandemic was one of the chief reasons for the Great Resignation. Employers must be prepared to offer hybrid working where possible.

Hybrid working gives employees a good work-life balance. It also allows them to enjoy the best of the office and their home environment. Crucially, it gives them the capability of working from home when there has been adverse weather or a traffic incident. Keeping on-site numbers down can aid safety and promote easy management too.

Employers still need to provide a safe working environment. Experts like Midwest Environmental can conduct asbestos testing and air quality exams to put things right. When combined with advanced safety equipment and security features, success is assured. It is the least that employees deserve.

Happy workers are statistically shown to be productive. Moreover, it cultivates a better working environment with fewer instances of colleague animosity. In a world where employees can tell if their company doesn’t keep up with modern standards, firms must adapt. If hybrid working facilitated by cloud computing helps, it should not be ignored.

Four-day weeks: the key to productivity

The idea that working fewer hours could increase productivity is one that would be hard to sell without statistical evidence. However, the fact that 91% of firms that have implemented four-day weeks won’t go back to five says it all. Meanwhile, employees who participated naturally loved it too, with 15% stating they wouldn’t return to five days even for more money.

For employees, the benefits are clear. Sleep patterns, stress levels, work-life balances, and mental health were all reported to improve. For employers, revenue remained at the same levels. Meanwhile, resignations and staff turnover rates decreased. When combined with reduced operational costs, switching to 32-hour weeks can pay dividends.

While employees wouldn’t go back to five days for more money, the process only works if firms pay workers their 40-hour salary. It is suggested that employees will repay their employers for the added freedom. Besides, they will feel that they need to work for what is essentially an hourly pay rise.
The fact that this can seem like a pay rise without actually earning more money can help companies. Keeping top talent happy and productive will provide the catalyst for ongoing success. People are more committed to improving their quality of lives, as per Forbes. So, the transition to four-day weeks may soon be the norm. Now is the time to embrace it.