In this new edition of the Masterclasses in Management Excellence, we tackle a topic that’s increasingly present in public debate: the 4-day week. To discuss this, we welcomed Francis Boyer, human resources expert and author of the book The 4-Day Week Works. Ready to discover if the 4-day week is right for you and your teams?
A Historical Evolution of Work Time
The reduction of work time has a long history, marked by significant developments since the 19th century. At that time, workdays could last 15 to 17 hours. Over time, progress was made, notably with the 1906 laws on Sunday rest, the shift to the 8-hour workday in 1919, and the paid holidays of 1936. More recently, the Aubry law of 1998 established the 35-hour work week in France. Today, the concept of the 4-day week follows this line of progress by proposing a new distribution of work time to improve work-life balance.
Why Is the 4-Day Week Back in the Debate?
Francis Boyer emphasizes that the 4-day week is more a response to employees’ aspirations than a simple reduction in work hours. Since the COVID-19 crisis, employees’ expectations have evolved, favoring a better balance between professional and personal life. A recent study shows that 77% of French people are in favor of this organization, with a particular interest in maintaining the weekly duration of 35 hours. Gabriel Attal, a French minister, has even mentioned the possibility for public administrations to test this model, thus putting the subject at the center of discussions.
The Advantages of the 4-Day Week
The feedback on the 4-day week is generally positive. Several studies, particularly in Spain, have shown encouraging results: a reduction of 39% in stress, a decrease in fatigue by 71%, a drop in absenteeism by 65%, and an increase in productivity of 5 to 25%. For companies, this means improved well-being of employees, enhanced attractiveness for talents, and even a reduction in carbon footprint by closing offices one more day each week.
How to Implement the 4-Day Week?
Implementing the 4-day week requires a thoughtful approach tailored to each company. It is essential to gain employee buy-in, ideally with a rate of 80% volunteers for an initial test. Francis Boyer recommends starting with a test phase, with a few pilot teams or entities, to identify necessary adjustments before a potential generalization. This process ensures that service quality is maintained and that the benefits for employees are indeed realized.
Challenges to Overcome
The 4-day week presents challenges, particularly for companies where flexibility is crucial. Some organizations fear excessively long workdays, which could affect employees’ quality of life. In this context, Francis Boyer mentions alternatives such as the 4.5-day week, which allows maintaining a balance while offering an additional half-day off. It is also possible to reduce the number of remote working days while maintaining one mandatory day on-site to maintain team cohesion.
The Impact on Management and Organization
The transition to a 4-day work week also involves a redefinition of managerial roles. According to Francis Boyer, it is crucial that managers, including executives, set an example by adopting this new organization themselves. This raises questions about the distribution of responsibilities and the management of autonomy within teams. The goal is to move from a logic of monitoring presence time to a culture oriented towards results, where trust and empowerment of employees are at the heart of the system.
An Opportunity to Rethink Work
Beyond simply reducing working hours, the 4-day week represents a unique opportunity to rethink organizational models. It invites companies to adopt a systemic approach, taking into account the specific needs of each profession and the constraints of each sector. According to Francis Boyer, the success of this approach relies on the ability to support teams through this change, by promoting dialogue and drawing on concrete experiences.
Is the 4-day week a suitable solution for your company? To learn more about the implementation steps and feedback, Francis Boyer’s book “The 4-Day Week Works“ is an essential resource.
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