Publications
Publications
  • September 28, 2021
  • Editorial
  • Harvard Business Review (website)

A Guide to Implementing the 4-Day Workweek: Working Less Can Reduce Employees' Stress—Without Sacrificing Productivity

By: Ashley Whillans and Charlotte Lockhart
  • Format:Electronic
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Abstract

As organizations continue to explore a variety of flexible work options, one promising avenue is the four-day workweek: The standard 40 hours per week is reduced to 32 hours, with the same pay and the same productivity expectations. Research suggests reducing hours can benefit both employees and employers, but it can be difficult to go from the idea to a successful implementation. In this piece, the authors—a researcher who studies time, money, and happiness and the CEO of a global nonprofit focused on the future of work—outline a six-step guide to help leaders plan, pilot, and roll out a four-day workweek. While no change comes easily, the authors argue that companies willing to embrace models like the four-day workweek will find the experimentation well worth the effort.

Keywords

Workweek; Stress; Employees; Health; Performance Productivity; Organizational Change and Adaptation

Citation

Whillans, Ashley, and Charlotte Lockhart. "A Guide to Implementing the 4-Day Workweek: Working Less Can Reduce Employees' Stress—Without Sacrificing Productivity." Harvard Business Review (website) (September 28, 2021).

About The Author

Ashley V. Whillans

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets
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