This is a big milestone for any company thinking about making Friday an official day off.
According to findings at Microsoft, allowing employees to only work Monday through Thursday ended up boosting productivity by 40 percent. They tested the theory in Japan through a program they called the Work Life Choice Challenge.
By giving employees there, the option to not work on Fridays for an entire month, they compared the results to the same period the year before.
As you might expect, this is a high-five moment for startups.
The four-day workweek has long been a staple of newly formed companies, along with the free snacks and coffee and being able to bring a pet to work. It’s a change in mindset–you work hard for four days, doing all of the tasks you are assigned and focusing on your efforts over a shorter period of time (but perhaps still working 40 hours).
Then, you take Friday off.
I – Word Understanding
Milestone – an event marking an important change or development
Staple – widely used/ practiced
II – Have Your Say
1. Would you rather work hard 4 days, and enjoy 3 days off? What would you rather change in your working hours or schedule? If you have an extra day off on a Friday, how would you spend the day?
2. People who are struggling to cope with workplace stress may place themselves at high risk of burnout. Burnout can leave people feeling exhausted, empty, and unable to cope with the demands of life.Aside from working hours and days off, what other issues do you think should be paid attention to avoid burnout?
3. Here are 8 ways to improve work life balance:
a. Accept that there is no “perfect” work-life balance.
b. Find a job that you love.
c. Prioritize your health.
d. Don’t be afraid to unplug.
e. Take a vacation.
f. Make time for yourself and your loved ones.
g. Set boundaries and work hours.
h. Set goals and boundaries (and stick to them).
701 It’s Official: We Should All Stop Working on Fridays, According to Microsoft
