Four-Day Workweek for Job Seekers: Pros and Cons

Posted on by
How to Prepare for a Performance Review Like a Pro

The idea of a four-day workweek has gained attention as more employees prioritize work-life balance. While a shorter workweek sounds appealing—especially to job seekers and students entering the workforce—it’s not always a perfect fit. Understanding how this model works, and its potential impact, is essential before making the switch.

What Is a Four-Day Workweek?

Traditionally, full-time employees work 40 hours across five days. In a four-day workweek, those 40 hours are condensed into four 10-hour days, leaving one extra day off each week. Some companies rotate days off based on business needs, while others stick to set days like Fridays or Mondays.

How Pay and Time Off Are Handled

For salaried exempt employees, pay usually stays the same regardless of hours worked. However, non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime, especially in states like California, where working more than 8 hours per day triggers overtime. That means some employees may earn extra simply by following a four-day schedule.

When it comes to vacation time, companies should define leave in hours rather than days. Instead of offering “10 days of vacation,” use “80 hours” to ensure fairness across different schedules.

Pros of a Four-Day Workweek

  • Work-life balance: An extra day off allows more time for family, hobbies, or rest.
  • Improved morale: Employees often report higher satisfaction and engagement.
  • Increased productivity: Focused workdays can lead to better results in less time.
  • Talent retention: Flexibility is a growing demand among professionals and students.

Cons to Consider

Despite the appeal, there are challenges:

  • Longer days: Ten-hour shifts can lead to fatigue, reducing focus.
  • Client availability: If clients expect five-day coverage, gaps in communication may arise.
  • Childcare conflicts: Extended hours can clash with daycare schedules.
  • Team pressure: Exempt employees may still feel compelled to check in on their day off.
  • Reduced collaboration: Varied schedules might delay decision-making or teamwork.

Should Your Company Try It?

The best way to decide is through experimentation. If an employee requests a four-day schedule, consider piloting it. Track productivity, engagement, and impact on the team. Flexibility is highly valued among job seekers and early-career professionals, and offering options can enhance your company’s appeal.

However, ensure the shift aligns with your business goals and employee needs. If it doesn’t benefit both, a traditional workweek might be the better option.

Author

Established since 2009, Jobs Section has emerged as the leading staffing solutions provider that has set a proven track record for matching the right people to the right organization within the shortest time. With our vast network of resources, extensive databases and defined recruitment processes, we have been successfully bridging talented job seekers of the highest caliber to employers who only want the best in their teams. In our relentless pursuit of excellent service, we have adopted best practices and dynamic growth strategies in expanding our operations across country.