Most U.S. Employees Want a Four-day Work Week Even if it Means Working Longer Hours
February 24 2022 - 7:30AM
Business Wire
92% of employees say they want a four-day work
week, and one in three would be willing to take a 5% pay cut or
more in exchange
Nearly all U.S. employees (92%) say they want a four-day work
week, citing improved mental health and increased productivity as
the perceived benefits, according to new research from Qualtrics
(Nasdaq: XM). Three out of four employees (74%) say they would be
able to complete the same amount of work in four days, but most
(72%) say they would have to work longer hours on workdays to do
so. See the full study results here.
In today’s competitive labor market, flexibility over when they
work is among workers’ most common requests. Ultimately, increased
flexibility beats out a set four-day work week for more employees.
When asked to choose between the two, 47% say they’d prefer a
four-day work week, compared to 50% who would rather have increased
flexibility to work when they want.
Despite the popularity of the idea, many employees fear a
shorter work week could have a negative impact on the company’s
bottom line and relationships with customers. Forty-six percent
believe a four-day work week would have a negative effect on sales
and revenue, and 55% say a shorter work week would frustrate
customers.
“What employees really want and expect is the flexibility to
adjust their work schedules to fit the demands of their lives. In
today’s new world of work, successful companies will set aside
antiquated assumptions about what productivity looks like and
listen to employees, so they can offer the flexibility that meets
their individual needs,” said Benjamin Granger, Ph.D., head of
employee experience advisory services at Qualtrics. “While there is
increasing momentum around the idea of working four days a week,
employees are willing to acknowledge the associated tradeoffs —
like working longer hours or potentially frustrating
customers.”
When it comes to recruiting and retaining talent, however,
employees are confident that a four-day work week would be
beneficial. Employees say a four-day work week is the number one
thing that would influence them to stay at a company longer — even
more than unlimited vacation or paid mental health days. Eighty-one
percent say a four-day work week would make them feel more loyal to
their employer, and 82% say it would help their company with
recruitment. More than a third (37%) would even be willing to take
a 5% pay cut or more in exchange for recurring three-day
weekends.
Paid mental health days are another benefit that may increase
retention and loyalty. Similar to four-day work weeks, the majority
of employees (92%) want paid mental health days, which are seen as
more than just a gimmick to appease burnt out employees or a ploy
for extra vacation days. Ninety-five percent say paid mental health
days are a long-term solution to ensuring good mental health among
employees.
More key takeaways from the study:
- 79% of U.S. employees say a four-day work week would
improve their mental health; 82% say it would make them more
productive
- Only 38% say a four-day work week would encourage
employees to slack off, compared to 60% who say it
wouldn’t.
- 89% say paid mental health days would help them recharge
and be more productive
- 87% say paid mental health days would reduce burnout and
improve mental health
Methodology:
This study was fielded between Jan. 10 and Jan. 12, 2022.
Respondents were selected from a randomized panel and considered
eligible if they live in the United States, are at least 18 years
of age and are employed full-time. The total number of respondents
was 1,021. Respondents who did not pass quality standards were
removed. See full results here:
qualtrics.com/blog/four-day-work-week/
About Qualtrics
Qualtrics, the leader and creator of the Experience Management
(XM) category, is changing the way organizations manage and improve
the four core experiences of business—customer, employee, product
and brand. Over 16,750 organizations around the world use Qualtrics
to listen, understand and take action on experience data
(X-data™)—the beliefs, emotions and intentions that tell you why
things are happening, and what to do about it. The Qualtrics XM
Platform™ is a system of action that helps businesses attract
customers who stay longer and buy more, engage employees who build
a positive culture, develop breakthrough products people love and
build a brand people are passionate about. To learn more, please
visit qualtrics.com.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220224005483/en/
Erica Evans press@qualtrics.com
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