4 Day Work Week Schedule Template

Discover various 4-day work week schedules and explore factors to consider before implementation. Optimize your work-life balance with our comprehensive guide.

According to research by Qualtrics, 92% of US employees support the idea of a four-day work week. Now, with the growing popularity of the four-day workweek, you might be wondering what it entails.

The most common image that comes to mind is working from Monday to Thursday and enjoying a long weekend. However, there are various versions of the four-day workweek schedule.

Join us as we’ll explore these different schedules and provide templates for each. Also, we’ll cover other related topics, such as essential factors to consider before deciding to implement a four-day workweek.

How 4-Day Work Week Can Benefit You?

A four-day workweek can offer numerous advantages that positively impact employees and employers. Let’s explore some of the most notable benefits:

Improves Employee Morale

Unsurprisingly, a direct correlation exists between higher employee morale, increased productivity, and improved employee retention. Transitioning to a four-day workweek can significantly enhance the work environment.

For instance, Buffer, a software company, conducted an internal survey that revealed 91% of their employees experienced a boost in happiness and productivity after switching to a 32-hour workweek.

As expected, having time off can positively impact your mood and overall mental well-being, providing ample opportunities to relax, indulge in hobbies, and spend quality moments with loved ones.

Boosts Creativity and Efficiency

Efficiency gains are a significant advantage of the four-day workweek. For instance, Pennsylvania manufacturer DiamondBack witnessed a remarkable 10% rise in efficiency when they transitioned to a 35-hour work week.

Moreover, the four-day workweek can stimulate creativity, particularly in specific job roles. With more time off, individuals can explore new perspectives and develop fresh ideas about their work.

Things to Consider Before Implementing a 4-Day WorkWeek

While a four-day workweek can offer various benefits, it’s essential to approach its implementation carefully, especially if your employer considers it a trial run.

Compile Your Criteria for Success

Adopt a goal-oriented mindset when considering a four-day workweek. Clearly define what you want to achieve with this new schedule. Measurable success is crucial, influencing whether the four-day workweek becomes a permanent arrangement.

Consider how the four-day workweek might affect different business metrics. While well-implemented schedules improve overall performance, specific metrics may be influenced more than others.

Analyze how productivity, efficiency, and other key performance indicators (KPIs) are affected, especially concerning your specific role.

Clarify What Changes Are Happening

Effective communication between employers and employees is essential for the success of any business, especially when implementing significant changes.

If you are proposing a four-day workweek, consider the following key points:

• Ensure that the new workweek policy is easy for your employer or team to understand.
• Clearly explain what aspects will change and what will remain the same.
• Adopt a top-down approach (if you run a team) by informing leadership about the changes and then cascading down the information.

Of course, your employer will likely define the rules of the four-day workweek, so considering these points when proposing the idea to your employer or team will be beneficial.

Determine the Work Schedule

When developing a proposed four-day work week, take ample time to determine the ideal work schedule and assess its impact on pay, operating costs, and paid time off (PTO).

Regarding PTO, remember that many employers may reduce it proportionately when transitioning to a shorter work week, assuming the total weekly work hours are reduced.

Consider the following key considerations when determining the work schedule for the proposed four-day workweek:

• Decide your work hours (e.g., 32 or 36).
• Choose the specific days you’d like to take off.
• Explore the option of an alternative schedule, such as varying the day employees get off on a week-to-week or monthly basis.

4 Day Work Week Schedule Templates

Let’s consider several four-day workweek schedule templates for your business.

4 Day Work Week (32-Hour Schedule) Template

When you think of a four-day workweek, the 32-hour schedule probably comes to mind. Employees work Monday to Thursday and get Friday and the weekend off.

This schedule offers simplicity and resembles the usual 9–5, five-day work week, with the last day removed. Also, it provides the appeal of an extra day off, allowing for three consecutive days off as a long weekend.

Assuming a standard 9–5 daily schedule, this four-day work week consists of 32 hours instead of the commonplace 40-hour work week.

4 Day Work Week (10-Hour Schedule) Template

If you aim to maintain a 40-hour work week, the 4/10 schedule might pique your interest. In this arrangement, employees work 10 hours a day for four days instead of the traditional five days x 8 hours.

While the 4/10 schedule may not provide all the same benefits as a 4/8 schedule, it can still improve productivity and well-being by offering an extra day off each week. This schedule might be particularly suitable for certain businesses.

Some companies may conduct multiple trials to determine the most suitable schedule for their needs. If you believe that proposing a 4/10 program is more likely to succeed than a 4/8 schedule, it’s worth considering this option.

9–80 Work Schedule (5–4/9 Schedule)

The 9–80 Work Schedule, also known as the 5–4/9 Schedule, presents an intriguing alternative to a traditional four-day work week. While not technically a four-day work week in the conventional sense, this schedule offers the benefit of a long weekend once every fortnight.

This hybrid approach appeals to those who recognize the advantages of a four-day workweek while still appreciating the benefits of the standard work arrangement.

With the 9–80 schedule, employees work 80 hours over two weeks (averaging 40 hours per week) but enjoy an extra two days off in an average month.

9–72 Work Schedule (Every Other Friday Off)

The 9–72 work week is similar to the 9–80 work schedule. However, it involves only 8-hour work days. This means that there are 72 working hours over two weeks, and you’ll benefit from having every other Friday off.

Summing Up

It’s important to note that many other variations of the four-day workweek exist, and what works best for one business may not be suitable for another.

Therefore, keeping an open mind when considering implementing a shorter workweek is crucial. Nevertheless, the benefits of employing a more straightforward workweek are evident.

If you’re ready to embrace a 32-hour or 36-hour workweek schedule (or a similar short schedule), we encourage you to explore the latest job postings at 4 Day Week.

This article was originally posted on 4 day week — jobs with a four day workweek. Get a job with a better work-life balance.