89% of workers favor 4-day workweek — Robert Walters
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — According to a recent survey by global recruitment firm Robert Walters, an overwhelming 89% of professionals preferred employers to implement a shorter workweek.
Of the 2,000 polled participants, 46% said they would give up workplace socials to achieve a shorter workweek.
On the other side of the spectrum, a meager 16% would opt for a 10-15% pay rise over the benefit of an extra day off, underscoring the rising preference for well-being over wage.
The results coincide with recent trials of a four-day workweek across the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America.
About 49% of the UK participants saw no change in overtime, and a minor 17% reported an increase. However, a worrisome 22% witnessed elevated burnout symptoms, while only 2% noticed a reduced workload.
Robert Walters Managing Director John Mullally cautions that while a four-day workweek is promising, it may not be a universal solution to increase productivity and improve employee well-being.
The challenge for employers is to strike the right balance between meeting employee desires for a shorter workweek and maintaining a robust company culture.
