How to Make a 4-Day Workweek Work for You

The four-day workweek is becoming increasingly popular, as it's a way for companies to provide employees with a more flexible work schedule and improve their work-life balance. 

While it may benefit your overall life and give you adequate time to relax and recharge on your extended weekends, shifting to a four-day workweek can present challenges for employees adjusting to working extended hours on certain days or fitting the same amount of work into fewer hours each week.

Continue reading to learn how to stay productive at work during your new four-day workweek.

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Manage Your Time Effectively

A four-day workweek looks different for everyone, and some companies may have different requirements when offering employees a change in their work schedule. 

While some companies will still expect employees to work 40 hours per week, meaning individuals work four 10-hour days instead of five eight-hour days, others opt to move to a 32-hour workweek.

Though it's been proven that shifting to a four-day workweek can increase productivity, this can be achieved only when employees manage their time effectively. If you need to fit the same amount of work into your workweek with one less day to accomplish this, you'll need to stay on task and avoid distractions as much as possible. 

Consider using scheduling tools to stay organized, and whenever possible, schedule breaks into your day so that you don't burn yourself out or inadvertently allow your breaks to run too long. 

As you learn how to work four days a week, you will acclimate to your new schedule and manage your time more effectively, but the adjustment period can be challenging.

Make a Daily and Weekly To-Do List

Creating a daily and weekly to-do list can help you work through projects efficiently and accomplish what you need to get done each week. Staying on task is especially important for employees shifting to a four-day workweek.

Set goals every Monday morning for what you need to accomplish that week, and write down all the tasks you will need to complete to accomplish those goals. Then, break your weekly tasks down into manageable daily amounts. 

Schedule Fewer Meetings

A recent study reported that 55% of workers spend 10% or more of their workweek in meetings. While some meetings are essential, do your best to streamline communications using tools like Slack, email, and Microsoft Teams. 

Communication tools are helpful for answering non-time-sensitive questions and sharing your work with coworkers and managers without scheduling a meeting. When meetings are required, create a meeting agenda and agree on a time limit (typically, 30 minutes should suffice) so that all participants stay on track. 

You could also work with your manager and teammates to designate certain days of the week as “meeting-free” to ensure everyone can maximize their productivity.

Pick a Day Off That Works for You (If You're Able To)

Many employers will stagger employees’ schedules so that there is coverage each day of the week. If your employer allows you to select your preferred schedule, pick a day off that will provide you with the best work-life balance. 

For example, if your partner also has a four-day workweek and works Monday through Thursday, you may want to have the same schedule as them to maximize your time off together. 

Others may find that a day off in the middle of the week to run errands and rest helps them perform at their best and, thus, may opt for a schedule in which they work Mondays and Tuesdays, take Wednesdays off, and then come back to work for Thursdays and Fridays.

If you have support from your employer, try a few different schedules to determine which works best for you. 

Communicate Your Experience With Your Management Team

Working out the kinks of transitioning from a five-day workweek to a four-day workweek will take some trial and error. Consistent communication with your management team about what is working for you and what isn't is essential to making the most of your new schedule. 

You should feel empowered to communicate the hardships you're facing with your new work schedule and what you like about it to your supervisors. 

In addition, you should proactively seek feedback regarding your performance to ensure the new work schedule is mutually beneficial to you and your employer and that you're not falling behind on your work. 

Transitioning to a 4-Day Workweek

The most crucial part of transitioning to a four-day workweek is having patience with yourself. Be prepared for some potential bumps in the road, and don't let perfectionism get in the way of learning how to make a four-day workweek work for you. 

For advice on how to succeed in your current role, or to begin the search for a four-day-workweek job, visit iHire's Job Seeker Resource Center.