Remote jobs and 4-day workweek: the ultimate in flexibility?

Remote jobs and 4-day workweek: the ultimate in flexibility?

Future Of Work
Mar 25, 2024
remote work and 4 day work week

We all know that flexibility is now a requirement for employees. Now, more than ever, they want to regain control of their schedules to achieve a better work-life balance. Remote jobs are one example, as is the move to a 4-day working week. But what happens when you mix the two? The trend is starting, but some companies are now testing the 4-day remote work week. What are the advantages? We explain.

The new world of remote jobs

Attracting and retaining talent is one of the major challenges facing companies today, particularly those operating in sectors under pressure. How do you convince the best people to join your organization?  One way is to offer them near-perfect flexibility. Offering a 4-day workweek and working remotely at the same time can be an ideal formula for successful recruitment. And that goes for both employer and employee.

The question of productivity

Of course, the question of employee productivity when working remotely and reducing the working week to 4 days inevitably arises on the employer's side. The issue is even more acute when the two formulas are applied together. The correlation between working hours and productivity is therefore at the heart of the debate. But it is perhaps badly put. Less than the quantity of work, it's the quality of working time that should be questioned. Some studies have even shown that shorter working days can boost productivity. It's all a question of efficiency, not time spent behind the computer. 

Positive impact on work/life balance

Both remote jobs and the 4-day week tend to improve the balance between work and personal life. This reduces stress and improves overall job satisfaction. Talented employees have extra time to devote to their hobbies and spend more time with their families, boosting their well-being. The result is more motivated, more committed employees. 

Adaptation strategies

Changing organizational work models is no easy task. For companies that are natively remote or have adopted the 4-day week, the challenge is, of course, less daunting. But for others, the transition can be more or less difficult, depending on the organization's initial culture. Coupling remote work with a reduced working week requires in-depth reflection on communication methods and the practical organization of tasks, while a clear definition of objectives becomes crucial. Overall, companies need to be proactive in anticipating and resolving potential problems as quickly as possible.

Sectors ahead of the game

Sectors such as technology and services have undoubtedly taken the lead on these issues. When implemented in the right way, working from home and the 4-day week prove beneficial, even in demanding professional environments.

The salary question

Of course, the question of wages remains. The subject is central, and the question is: Do we maintain our salary when we work 4 days a week? Let's take a look at some current experiments. Iceland is one of the first countries to have validated this after a government test between 2015 and 2019. The employees concerned work a 35-hour week over 4 days.

According to a study on the subject, salaries remain unchanged. Above all, with a similar wage bill, productivity has remained unchanged or even increased. In Spain, 200 volunteer companies have been in the test phase since 2022 and for 3 years. To try out the 4-day week, Spanish employees will work 32 hours a week, without loss of pay, instead of the country's usual 40 hours. In France, Bizay, a technology platform providing access to the world's largest catalog of customizable products, is experimenting with a 100% telecommuting 4-day week. Employees have retained the same salary. In practice, the new approach will lead to a 17% reduction in working days per year (186 days worked) and a 7% reduction in working hours, (1672 hours worked).

Will the 4-day week, combined with a remote work organization, offer the ultimate flexibility to which employees aspire? As more and more experiments get underway, we'll have the answer in the near future.

 

Answering The Most Common Questions:

 

Why are remote jobs and the 4-day workweek considered the epitome of flexibility?

The synergy between remote work and a condensed workweek addresses the contemporary need for flexibility in employees' schedules. This combination offers near-perfect work-life balance, making it an enticing proposition for both employers and employees seeking innovative work models.

 

How does the productivity debate shift when combining remote work and a shorter workweek?

The traditional correlation between working hours and productivity is being redefined. The focus shifts from sheer quantity to the quality of working time. Studies indicate that shorter working days, especially when coupled with remote arrangements, can enhance efficiency and overall output.

 

What challenges do organizations face in implementing a 4-day workweek with remote opportunities?

The transition to transformative work models requires strategic adaptation. While native remote companies may find the shift smoother, others need to address challenges related to organizational culture, communication methods, task organization, and the clear definition of objectives. Proactive problem-solving becomes crucial for a seamless transition.