Recent news from Dumfries and Galloway Council is prompting a re-evaluation of our traditional 5-day work week. The council is considering shifting to a 4-day school week, with longer days and an early finish once a week. This proposal highlights a broader trend questioning whether our current work structures fit modern life. One of the most talked-about ideas currently reshaping the employment landscape is the 4-day working week. This might just be more than a trendy topic, but as a serious consideration for forward-thinking companies and communities. Recently, a news story about Dumfries and Galloway Council’s proposal to adjust the school week got us thinking: Who decided that the 5-day work week was the ideal model anyway? And more importantly, does it still work for modern society?

A Brief History of the 5-Day Week

The 5-day work week, popularised by Henry Ford in the 1920s, was revolutionary at the time. It reduced the then-standard 6-day work week and was designed to balance industrial productivity with employee well-being. However, nearly a century later, the demands of work, life, and technology have evolved significantly. The rigid Monday-to-Friday structure is increasingly seen as outdated, prompting businesses, schools, and local authorities to explore more flexible models that better suit today’s needs.

The Benefits of a 4-Day Work Week

The 4-day work week comes with proven benefits for employees, businesses, and even the wider community:

  1. Enhanced Employee Well-being: Studies consistently show that a shorter work week leads to happier, healthier employees. Reduced stress, better work-life balance, and more time for personal pursuits contribute to higher job satisfaction and overall mental health.
  2. Increased Productivity: Despite working fewer hours, employees often achieve the same, if not better, results. A well-rested workforce tends to be more focused, creative, and efficient, minimizing the burnout that comes with the traditional work week.
  3. Reduced Carbon Footprint: Fewer commutes mean fewer emissions, contributing to a greener environment. This benefit aligns with many companies’ sustainability goals and enhances their brand image.
  4. Talent Attraction and Retention: A 4-day work week is a powerful magnet for top talent. In a competitive job market, offering a progressive work schedule can differentiate a company and appeal to a broader range of candidates, including those who prioritize work-life balance.

The Challenges of Implementing a 4-Day Work Week

Despite the numerous benefits, the 4-day work week isn’t without its challenges – especially for business owners who still need to maintain a full 5-day operation. Here are some of the key obstacles:

  1. Coverage and Continuity: Businesses need to ensure that operations continue smoothly, even when employees are working fewer days. For industries like customer service, healthcare, and retail, maintaining coverage while shifting to a 4-day week can be particularly complex.
  2. Increased Workload Per Day: Condensing the work week means longer workdays, which can be exhausting if not managed correctly. This approach may inadvertently counteract some of the well-being benefits that the model aims to achieve.
  3. Coordination and Scheduling: For businesses with team-based tasks, coordinating schedules becomes more complicated. Team members off on different days can make collaboration and meeting deadlines more challenging.
  4. Public Expectations: Many businesses feel the pressure to be available during traditional working hours, especially when competitors continue to operate on a 5-day model. This can make the 4-day work week feel like a risk rather than a reward.

A Balanced Approach: The 9-Day Fortnight

One innovative compromise that addresses many of these challenges is the 9-day fortnight—an approach that’s gaining traction among businesses aiming for better work-life balance without compromising operational needs. This model allows employees to work their regular hours over nine days, giving them every second Friday off. It’s a more manageable step towards the 4-day work week, ensuring businesses can maintain a 5-day operation with alternating staff schedules.

We work with several companies that have successfully implemented the 9-day fortnight, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Employees enjoy the extended weekends without the intense pressure of longer workdays, and businesses maintain the continuity required to meet client expectations.

Rethinking the Work Week

The conversation around Dumfries and Galloway Council’s proposed changes to the school week highlights a broader societal shift. It challenges us to rethink how we structure our time and question long-standing norms. As the world of work continues to evolve, businesses, employees, and communities must remain open to innovative solutions that better align with the realities of modern life.

At Talento Group, we believe that flexible working models – whether it’s a 4-day week, a 9-day fortnight, or other tailored approaches  – are not just the future of work but essential steps toward a healthier, more balanced, and sustainable society. We encourage businesses to explore these options, engage in open dialogue with their teams, and take bold steps toward creating a work environment that works for everyone.