A recent study conducted by Prof Carol Maher who is a senior researcher at the University of South Australia has found that taking a three-day weekend can have a tremendous positive impact on an individual’s health. The study offers support for the growing movement for a four-day week. The research team analysed the daily movement patterns of 308 adults over 13 months, comparing their behaviour before, during, and after taking holidays. The study found that when people were on vacation, they displayed healthier physical and mental behaviours, including increased physical activity, decreased sedentary lifestyle and sleeping more. The size of the changes increased in proportion with the length of the holiday, suggesting that longer breaks yield to better well-being. The researchers suggest that these findings support the growing movement by many companies and corporates towards a four-day workweek, as it provides employees with more time for leisure, and hobbies and for nurturing their personal relationships leading to better physical and mental health.
According to Prof Maher, due to awareness about mental health and the demand for more productivity, a shorter working week is being followed by companies all over the world. Companies which are following shorter working weeks, their employees are reporting less stress, burnout, and fatigue, as well as better mental health, increased job satisfaction and improved work-life balance.
Prof Maher emphasizes that the study provides empirical evidence that people have healthier lifestyle patterns and more productivity when they have a short working week of four days and a three-day weekend. She highlights that this increase in physical activity and sleep due to more weekends off is expected to have positive effects on both mental and physical well-being, contributing to the other benefits observed with a four-day workweek.
Additionally, the study also showed that even after a short holiday or vacation, people’s increased sleep quality remained elevated for approximately two weeks, demonstrating that the health benefits of a three-day break can have lasting effects beyond the holiday itself up to working days also thereby increasing their productivity. Prof Maher believes that as the world adapts to a new normal after covid, it is time to embrace the long weekend by 4-day work week implementation to boost our physical and mental health.
Impact Of 4 Day Work Week On Employees
The idea of a four-day workweek has been gaining momentum in recent years as we have seen many 4-day workweek success stories, with several companies around the world experimenting and practising shorter workweeks to boost employee productivity and physical and mental well-being. While some may argue that working fewer hours may negatively impact the productivity of a company, research has shown that a four-day workweek can have several health benefits for employees as well as corporations.
First and foremost, a shorter workweek can help in reducing stress levels by giving breaks to employees. Research has consistently shown that work-related stress and pressure is a major contributor to poor mental health and anxiety, and they can lead to a range of health issues such as depression, mental fatigue, and burnout. By reducing the number of days and time spent at the workplace, employees can have more personal time to relax and recharge themselves, leading to a better work-life balance.
Furthermore, a shorter workweek can lead to increased physical activity and exercise. Many people struggle to find the time to exercise regularly due to long working hours, with work commitments often taking up a significant amount of their day. By having an extra day off each week, and the option for better time management, employees can use this time to engage in physical activities and exercise that they may not have had time for previously. This could include anything from going for a hike, playing a sport, running, hitting the gym, or taking a yoga class, all of which can have numerous health benefits.
Another shorter workweek benefit is improved sleep quality and duration due to the reduced stress of a 4-day workweek. With fewer days at work, employees may have more time to unwind and just relax, leading to better sleep quality. Studies have consistently shown that getting enough sleep is essential for good health and mental peace, and can help reduce the risk of a range of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, depression, and heart disease.
Finally, a shorter workweek can lead to better overall job satisfaction and performance. Studies have shown several flexible work schedule benefits. Employees who work for shorter weeks often report feeling more engaged, creative, and motivated at work, and have a better sense of work-life balance due to increased employee satisfaction with 4 day work week. This can lead to a more positive attitude towards work and the company and can have a knock-on effect on overall well-being.
Overall, while there may be concerns about the impact of a four-day workweek on the productivity of a company, there is growing evidence to suggest that it can have a range of health benefits for employees and can also help in raising the profitability of the employer. By reducing work-related stress, increasing physical activity, improving sleep quality, and boosting job satisfaction, a shorter workweek can help improve and create a more positive and productive workplace.
