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Project Draft Part Two
Emily Higdon
Southern New Hampshire University
ENG-190: Research and Persuasion
Christie Wilson
July 29, 2024
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Project Draft Part Two: Persuasive Essay With Research
Ever since the worldwide pandemic (COVID), there has been an increase in people
wanting to work a 4-day work week instead of the normal 5-day. “A four-day work week
demonstrates the benefits of reduced work hours while improving the health and well-being of
employees” (Anadolu Agency, 2023). Although a lot of research and many studies have shown
the mental and physical benefits a 4-day work week has on employees, employers are worried
about a decrease in efficiency and profitability. Jobs implementing this have noticed fewer shift
coverage and some employees even prefer flexibility over just settling for a 4-day work week
that is supposed to be a “one size fits all solution” (Maryville University, 2022). In order to see
an improvement in employees mental and physical health while also maintaining profitability in
the business, implementing a 4-day work week could be beneficial because it will improve
employees mental health, gives employees more personal time to take care of children or any
errands, and potentially increase profitability and efficiency within the business.
It is essential that employees have good mental and physical health so that they can be
productive and a 4-day work week shows less burn-out and stress. One of the many studies done
on employees to see their mental health benefits from a 4-day work week, seven out of 10
employees reported a decrease in burnout and nearly half of the participants reported a decrease
in fatigue (Amell, 2024). According to Maryville University, statistics from research studies
showed that employees tended to have an increase in energy and felt revitalized which in turn
increased their mental health (2022). Employees being mentally healthy will really have so many
benefits for the company such as less people leaving and higher productivity.
Employees being able to have a good work/life balance can be key to keeping them
focused while they're at work and their head not drifting off thinking about stuff that is going on
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at home. The U.S. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics has noticed that their “Quit Rate” has been
at an all time high since COVID-19 hit as well as a 43% improvement in work/life balance by
employees. The Manual says that “an additional day off gives employees time to handle child
and family care, run errands, tend to mental health, work out, and take part in communal
activities like civic volunteers and pickleball groups” (2022). While a 4-day work week gives
employees a 3 day weekend to take care of their personal lives, some employers will still make
employees work 40 hours and employees might feel the need to work extra hard. This can cause
employees stress levels to increase therefore affect their wellbeing and productivity and they
might feel as though their work/life balance has taken a hit.
It is not just employees who can benefit from a 4-day work week but
employers/businesses can also have the benefit of increased profitability and efficiency. An
article written by Gale Onefile, a source that posts over 17,000 scholarly articles and other
authoritative sources, showed that having one less day in the office had employees more focused
and efficient during their work hours. A four-day work week also signifies that employers
prioritize their employees well-being and it also shows they provide a flexible work environment
which is a huge advantage for a business when it comes to finding those with top talent to work
for them and retaining valuable employees. There are a few disadvantages a business can face
such as clients services being affected, especially for businesses like doctors offices who rely
heavily on client services, when trying to ensure their needs are being met. Another disadvantage
mentioned by Gale Onefile is “certain industries or positions might require constant
coverage or a set number of working hours” and that a 4-day work week isn’t a
universal fit.
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In conclusion, in order for businesses to implement a 4-day work week, employers must first
make changes such as making sure employees have the tools they need to remain productive and
checking to make sure they won’t be in violation of overtime laws so they can successfully
transition into a 4-day work week . If employers do not take action, the consequences will be that
employees might leave to a job where they are more flexible with their scheduling or employers
will face more call-offs and decreased efficiency in their workers. But the benefits of
implementing a 4-day work week are employees' improved mental health, employees can
manage better work/life balance, and businesses would see an increase in profitability and
efficiency.
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Citations
Amell, T., & Rudner, S. (2024). Balancing Act The Benefits of a Four-Day Workweek. Rudner
Law. https://www.rudnerlaw.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Balancing-Act-The-
Benefits-of-a-Four-Day-Workweek.pdf
Anadolu Agency. (2023, February 21). Working 4-day week boosts improvements, benefits:
Report. Gale Onefile. https://go-gale-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/ps/i.do?
p= STND&u =nhc_main&id=GALE%7CA738127189&v= 2.1&it =r&sid= ebsco&aty =ip
Business Matters. (2024, April 2). The Pros And Cons Of 4-Day Work Weeks: Is It Right For
Your Business? Gale Onefle. https://go-gale-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&u=nhc_main&id=GALE|A788464789&v=2.1&it=r&sid=ebsco
Denis, M. (2022, October 2). Study: The evidence overwhelmingly says 4-day work weeks are
good for everyone. The Manual. https://www.themanual.com/culture/why-4-day-work-
weeks-are-good-for-everyone/
Shorter Workweek: Pros and Cons for Employee Productivity. (2022, October 6). Maryville
University Online. https://online.maryville.edu/blog/shorter-work-week-pros-cons/#pros-
cons-shorter-work-week
