Four Day Workweek Anyone?

I first started working as a 17 year old college kid. Work, as Marx would put it, is what makes man reach his potentials and enables him to develop himself creatively in the process, not only earning for himself money but most of all, a way for him to create his meaning and his purpose.

A recent article published on CNN.com explored the benefits of a four-day workweek. A company that employs such method reported better productivity, higher output, lesser sick leaves and most importantly, helps retain the best and most committed of employees, male and female.

However, it has its caveats, a four-day work week works best only if it is implemented on a company wide basis, as it leaves others feeling left out and neglected if implemented on a selective basis only.

I could not agree with the findings of the study. I think a four-day work week makes employees prioritize work, improves focus and most of all, ensures a well-rested, highly motivated work force. Why? Simply because employees know that they are given priority and that therefore they are expected to do their best for the time they are at work. Since they work only four days, they can always do personal business on a weekday, say a Friday, leaving them confident and therefore less prone to file false sick leaves just to make that appointment to the dentist for example, or mail that important package to an aunt - especially when post offices are closed on Saturdays.

In other works, a four day work week gives plenty of time for employees to do their personal stuff, attend to family and engage in a longer weekends, crucial for employees with growing families. Such scenarios leave employees therefore with a sense that they are not neglecting other aspects of their lives without sacrificing their professional careers. This in turn makes them more focused at work and less prone to absences.

I just hope that in the Philippines, proactive and dynamic companies will recognize the pros of a four day work week, and how such format can improve company productivity, employee morale and loyalty and most of all, retain quality employees. A boon for both business and workers alike.