The 4-Day Week: More Than Just a Benefit – A Catalyst for Success

The discussion surrounding the 4-day week is a hot topic. It's often portrayed controversially, as a contradiction between the aspirations of younger generations and the realities faced by companies – as seen recently with Markus Lanz. However, the claim that the 4-day work week is merely a benefit one must "afford" is a widespread myth. The way these discussions are framed often aims to perpetuate preconceived notions rather than allowing for a nuanced perspective.

Facts Over Fiction

It's undeniable: the 4-day week can significantly improve employer branding and make talent acquisition much easier. Yet, this advantage doesn't contradict its financial viability. The crucial question isn't if it's implemented, but how.

Companies that introduce the 4-day work week without proper guidance and Change Management best practices often experience overload and higher costs. The model alone doesn't guarantee success; implementation is key.

The Catalyst Effect

In contrast, companies that successfully implement and maintain the 4-day work week show: when structured and implemented with proven Change Management methods, it becomes a powerful catalyst for systemic improvements at all levels of the company. This means:

• Employees are actively involved.

• External support helps avoid common pitfalls and leverage valuable experience.

• Proactive risk management identifies and monitors potential problems early on.

The result of this implementation:

• Higher productivity and employee engagement through optimising processes and restructuring the workplace.

• Improved employee health: More time for sports, stronger connections inside and outside of work, better and longer sleep. This reduces stress and leads to fewer sick days.

• Stronger employer branding, which lowers recruitment costs as companies become more attractive to qualified applicants.

• Reduced fluctuation, which in turn saves significant costs for new hires and onboarding.

  
  

Financial Viability and the 100-80-100 Model

Companies that successfully introduce the 4-day work week always define success financially as well. They find the form of the model that suits their company and simultaneously make necessary changes that optimize the entire system. Thus, the 4-day work week isn't a one-time conversion, but an ongoing process of adaptation and improvement.

As long as we cling to the myth that the 4-day work week is an unrealistic pipe dream of younger generations and entrepreneurs believe that the sum of individual working hours equates to company performance, we won't make any progress.

The question isn't whether the 4-day work week is a benefit, but what the 100-80-100 model (100% productivity, 80% working time, 100% salary) could look like in your own company. It's about thinking in new ways and making the world of work fit for the future.