A third of businesses in Scotland expect the four-day working week to be "the norm" in workplaces by 2032, giving us an extra day off - as long as employee efficiency is improved by then.
That's according to a new survey carried out by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) that outlines Scotland's approach to a shortened work week.
The movement has reportedly gathered momentum recently and there are several companies in the UK and abroad who are trialling the four-day work week amongst their employees.
It's hoped that these trials will give employers the chance to see how they manage moving to a four-day week, and if they can still keep up their efficiency.
Public policy advisor at CIPD Marek Zemanik said on Twitter: "Data suggests that the majority of Scottish employees are happy with the hours they work. Around 30% would like to work fewer hours, but only 12% would take a pay cut to achieve this.
"On employer views, we find a certain level of disconnect between what they expect and what they intend to do. Only 2% of Scottish employer plan to reduce hours without reducing pay in the next 3 years.
"But a third expect it to become the norm across in the next 10 years."
With this in mind, here's how a four-day working week would look, as well as some pros and cons.
What is a four-day working week?
According to the CIPD, the four-day working week is essentially a shift away from the standard nine to five Monday-Friday pattern many of us follow.
For example, this could be reducing a 35 hour week over five days down to a 28 hour week over four days.
There's no loss of pay involved, and it usually involves consultation with the workforce before a trial is planned, with new forms of flexible working often brought in first.
People in support of the four-day week believe that the time has now come for a change - and while it may seem drastic, you should remember that working six days a week used to be the norm before Henry Ford introduced the five-day pattern.
Benefits of a four-day working week
Although this is a fairly new concept, there's already evidence to suggest the benefits of working reduced hours.
According to Change Recruitment, there are a couple of key advantages. These include:
- Increased productivity - Estate planning company Perpetual Guardian conducted a trial study of a four-day work week. Not only did employees maintain the same productivity level, but they also showed improvements in job satisfaction, teamwork, work/life balance and company loyalty.
- A more equal workplace - a four-day week would mean people could spend more time with their families and juggle care/work commitments. Research shows that around two million British people are not currently in employment due to childcare responsibilities - 89% of these people are women.
- Better employee engagement - Sweden has previously trialed reduced hours in the working week. The result in one nursring home was less sick days, better health and mental wellbeing and greater engagement, as they arranged 85% more activities for patients in their care.
- Better for the planet - Less working days typically means less commuting time and reduced energy costs, both at home and in the workplace.
Disadvantages of a four-day working week
Although there are several potential good things about a reduced working week, it also has its drawbacks.
Cost-effectiveness is a major one, as well as a lack of resources, as taking on this new way of working would require the right support and technology.
People may also take the wrong approach, thinking that it means compressed hours, and try to cram all their working hours into four days.
And while reduced hours may be great for employees, it could be inconvenient for customers who can't access services as often as they normally can. Things like AI, chatbots and other future technology could help with this and increase customer satisfaction.
Would you like to change to a four-day working week? Let us know in the comments.
