Are we really more productive on a 5-day week than 4 days?

Question

I'm all in favour of working a four-day week. I think that when working 5 days, we all slow down and don't get much more done and just waste a day instead. What do you think?

Answer 1

It hardly matters. It would be the equivalent of a pay raise to allow people to do the same amount of work in four days and pay them what they got for five. If they can do it in four they will only get paid for four. And if one person can and will do the work of two people in those four days so much the better. That's just the way it is, so you might as well ride the clock. But I understand what you are saying. Our employers are stealing our lives away.

Answer 2

I like to use the 5th day to tie up loose ends and get things in order. I usually take it easy and do not think of it as work. Everything I get done in 5 days could certainly be done in 4 though. I think the 4 day work week would be delightful and ease stress. I suppose it all depends on your line of work and the amount of workload you are required to complete within a specific time line.  

Answer 3

I think it depends on the business. One place I worked would have a hard time operating on a 4 day week because it's in the medical field so 5 days makes perfect sense. Things happen. However, where I work now, I think we could transition to a 4 day week quite easily. It could be that some people would be unable to. It's pretty slow here on Friday but sometimes things come up. But for me and some others, it would not be a problem at all. It would make sense. With email and voice mail, it seems like we could be working less depending upon the environment. How much time do you really spend working? I could be very busy if I had managers that spent less time slacking. But we are making money and I guess that is all that matters. I think we could do better and use the difference to give back to the employees that made it happen.

Answer 4

A 4 day week is ok with me.If only.

Answer 5

Work is work if you have to work five days aweek to pay the bills then its good for you.