It will be icing on the cake for many Indians, if they were provided with an option of working 4 days in a week. The country where the workforce were in a habits of working round the clock, it will be a boon, but again many indians were habitual to their rigrous work schedule that they will find this option a fluke. I have seen many workers working late hours and still the work remain incomplete. It is not only in the manufacturing sector but also in corporate sector. Me myself too worked many extended hours during normal days and even on weekends. It will be a dream for many to see them working only for 4 days in a week. There are many pros and cons attached to every changes that we try to bring in, so does in the working culture too.
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Four days work culture
A four-day work week, also known as a compressed work week, is a workplace model where employees work four days a week instead of five or six. Employees may work fewer hours each week or shift their regular hours to a four-day period. For example, employees may work four 10-hour days instead of five 8-hour days, resulting in the same total hours per week. A four-day work week can have many benefits for employees and businesses, including:
Improved well-being : Employees may feel less stressed and burned out, and have more time for exercise and quality time with loved ones. They may also experience better sleep and feel more refreshed and recovered. In one pilot program, two-thirds of employees reported less burnout, 33% reported less work-related stress, and 38% reported an increase in mental health.
Better work-life balance : Employees may be happier when they have a better balance between their work and personal lives.
Increased productivity : Employees may get more done in less time.
Lower absenteeism and turnover : Employees may be less likely to take sick leave due to stress or illness, and may be less likely to look for a new job.
Environmental benefits : With one less day of work, employees may commute less and there may be less traffic congestion.
Acceptance & Disadvantages
Countries like Iceland, Spain, France, New Zealand, Japan, and the United States have been exploring shorter workweeks. Some say that a four-day work week can improve employee satisfaction and productivity, and lead to better work-life balance. Companies may also operate with fewer meetings and more independent work. However, others say that a four-day work week may not be feasible in India unless the entire economy accepts the model. A four-day workweek, where employees work 32 hours for the same pay and benefits, can have some disadvantages. These include:
Customers and clients may have less access to employees.
Longer hours on the four work days could lead to burnout.
Some industries may have difficulty implementing a four-day schedule due to constant availability needs.
There may be financial consequences for both businesses and employees.
Balancing different shift patterns across four days could put some employees at a disadvantage.
There may be less time to be as productive.
Employee engagement could decrease.
Stress could increase with a four-day workweek.
Business costs could increase.
My working preference.
After being to numerous working environment over the years, I learned to adapt anywhere and in any situation. Adaptability to changes are the basic need to be successful in the competitive environment. And my thumb rule says "as far as you love your job, the working hours should not be a hindrances". Be it 4 days, or 5 days be to 9-5 or long hours. The company chosen you to achive their goals and objective, and whatever condition they provide you have to sustain in that environment. I might sound quite unorthodox, but that what the truth is. When the company needs you , you have to be there for our services for accomplishment of company goals.