Employers are increasingly looking for ways to improve the health and the productivity of their workforce. One potential solution that has gained traction in recent years is the four-day workweek, which involves reducing employees’ working hours while maintaining their pay. A new pilot programme in the United Kingdom has shown promising results, with workers reporting improved health and productivity. A vast majority of firms are reportedly planning to stick to the condensed schedule.
The UK pilot programme, which was a collaboration between the non-profit, 4 Day Week Global, and the think tank, Autonomy, included roughly 2,900 workers from non-profits, manufacturers, finance firms and even restaurants. The results of the trial were overwhelmingly positive, with workers reporting less work-related stress, lower rates of burnout, and higher job satisfaction. A majority of the employees also reported physical and mental health benefits.
From the corporate point of view, the results were also encouraging. Revenue increased by an average of 1.4% over the study period, according to data from 23 organisations. Absenteeism fell and employees were less likely to quit during the trial. Three in five respondents said it was easier to balance work with care responsibilities at home. According to Juliet B. Schor, an economist and sociologist at Boston College and lead researcher at 4 Day Week Global, a shorter working week is crucial to attaining necessary reductions in carbon emissions globally.
But can these results be replicated in India?
India has a work culture that emphasises long hours and dedication to the job. Many employees may be hesitant to embrace a shorter workweek because it could be interpreted as a lack of commitment on their part to their work. Companies and managers would need to address this cultural perception and communicate the benefits of a four-day workweek.
India’s infrastructure is not well-suited for a four-day workweek. Many businesses and government offices operate at maximum capacity throughout the week and it would be difficult to accommodate an extra day off without significantly changing schedules and staffing. A shift to a four-day workweek may require radical infrastructure changes to ensure the smooth functioning of businesses and government offices.
India’s labour laws are complex and may make it challenging to implement a four-day workweek. For example, the Factories Act, 1948 mandates a maximum of 48 hours of work per week, but it does not allow for compressed workweeks, which could be required for a four-day workweek. Changes to labour laws and regulations would need to be carefully considered and implemented to ensure compliance and protect workers’ rights.
A four-day workweek could exacerbate income inequality. Lower-wage workers may not have the option to work fewer days, and they may struggle to make ends meet if their hours are reduced. Companies would need to ensure that a four-day workweek policy is implemented equitably and does not disadvantage this constituency.
While implementing a four-day workweek in India will require careful consideration of the country’s unique circumstances, there are reasons to believe that it may work.
Admittedly the shorter workweek is not widespread yet. But there is a growing movement to continue experimenting with the idea. This year, Australia, Spain, and Scotland are planning or conducting trials of the four-day workweek. As more countries and companies experiment with this model, it is possible that we will see a shift towards shorter workweeks and a renewed emphasis on work-life balance.
Amrit P. Pandey is a political researcher and student at the University of Westminster
