While the four-day work week has recently gained steam, my dad instituted it for his architectural firm in the 1970s. But unlike today’s trend of shortened hours, he set strict criteria. Be at your desk working without interruption from 7:30-10:30 am. with 45 minutes for lunch. Save personal appointments for Fridays, and if a holiday falls during the week, you work on that Friday.
Since COVID, employers realize they need to do something different, particularly to achieve work-life balance. Shortened work weeks yield higher productivity and less stress – good for retention and recruitment. What fundamental changes work for your office?
– Betsie Gambel, Founder, Gambel Communications
Gambel Communications has a version that works for us, including Work Remote Wednesdays and summer Fridays off. It is important to continually monitor productivity and work-life balance, and adjust as needed.